The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday outlined a comprehensive strategy to transform Sudurpaschim Province into a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination.

The recommendations were unveiled as part of the Sudurpaschim Integrated Economic and Tourism Development Study, presented during the Tourism Symposium and Pre-Investment and Development Summit held in Dhangadhi.

The summit gathered ambassadors, development agency heads, federal and provincial government representatives, and private sector leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nepal’s far-western region.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, the ADB study builds upon the 2022 Provincial Tourism Master Plan. It offers a roadmap for unlocking the region’s tourism potential through strategic investments and coordinated efforts across sectors.

“The province’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are exceptional, yet its tourism potential remains largely untapped,” said ADB Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois. “The ADB study shows that targeted investments in connectivity, destination hubs, and workforce capacity can transform Sudurpaschim into a thriving tourism economy. We are proud to support this vision.”

The study highlights the need for improved infrastructure to enhance accessibility and encourage wider visitor dispersion. It also calls for the creation of integrated tourism circuits, eco-friendly destination hubs, and robust institutional support to attract private investment, strengthen governance, and develop a skilled tourism workforce.

“As we work to develop tourism in the region, we must carefully consider how to do so in a way that preserves its natural beauty and protects the environment for future generations,” Cauchois added.

He praised the government of Sudurpaschim Province for hosting the summit and reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to Nepal’s development. He said the event served as a vital platform for aligning strategies, fostering public-private partnerships, and encouraging regional and international collaboration.

Notable attendees included Minister of Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister of Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari, and Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah.