Tourism Information Center Established in Thamel to Boost Visitor Services

Kathmandu: A new Tourism Information Center has been established in Thamel, Kathmandu’s prime tourist hub, with the aim of enhancing visitor services and promoting tourism in the region.

The center was inaugurated on July 11 by Bagmati Province’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Bimal Thakuri. It was set up by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Bagmati Province, in collaboration with Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward-26 and the Thamel Tourism Development Council.

Speaking at the event, Minister Thakuri expressed confidence that the center will not only support tourism in Thamel but also contribute to the broader development of Nepal’s tourism industry. He noted that this is the second such center established by the province, following Chitwan, and announced plans to build public toilets in Thamel to further improve infrastructure.

Ward Chairperson Khyam Raj Tiwari highlighted the importance of the center, noting that around 80 percent of foreign tourists visiting Nepal come to Thamel.

Dipendra Subedi, Secretary at the Ministry, said the provincial government is preparing to publish a ‘travel book’ featuring tourist destinations across all districts in Bagmati Province. He also emphasized the government’s efforts to integrate technology into the operation of the information center.

Tourism stakeholders including Tourism Office Kathmandu Chief Bhakta Bahadur Bhandari, Thamel Tourism Development Council Chair Dhubra Adhikari, former Chair Dr. Ram Sharan Thapaliya, and TAAN Chair Sagar Pandey welcomed the move, saying the center will make it easier for tourists to access reliable information and enhance tourism promotion.

Pawan Kumar Pokharel, Head of the Tourism Division at the Ministry, said the center will offer information on trekking routes, transportation, hotels, and local art and culture.

Sahadev Dhamala (Bimal), Vice President of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, said the Council is committed to organizing and managing Thamel as a symbol of Nepal’s identity and expressed hope for continued support from the provincial government to make Thamel more vibrant in the future.