As Nepal is in the process of strengthening functional and cooperative federalism, the Swiss Government has supported a Trail-based Tourism Development Project (TDDP) involving all three tiers of government for prosperity and employment of the rural poor.

Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Kumar Karki and Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador at the Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal, jointly inaugurated the Trail-based Tourism Development Project (TDDP) at a function in Biratnaga.

Inaugurating the Tourism Based Footpath Project, Chief Minister Karki said that tourism is the main basis for growth and development. He mentioned that tourism is the strength, identity and development of the province and said that development can be achieved through tourism.

Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador of Swiss Embassy in Nepal said that economic progress and opportunities will be sought through the project. She said that the Swiss government is ready to move forward by joining hands to strengthen federalism in Nepal.

"In collaboration with 29 local governments and the Koshi Provincial Government, the project will create around 2,000 local jobs and generate half a million man-days of employment through cash-for-work during the construction of the trail," said Swiss Ambassador Dr. Danielle Meuwly.

Sadananda Mandal, Provincial Minister for Forest, Environment and Tourism, believes that this project will play an important role in the tourism sector of Koshi Province. The Swiss government has been providing financial support to the Koshi Provincial Government in various projects since 2019.

He said that the state government expects nearly 2,000 people to get new tourism-related jobs along this 400-kilometer trail. Minister Mandal said that the project will help improve the livelihood of the people by creating employment opportunities.

The Trail-based Tourism Development Project is a bilateral initiative between the governments of Nepal and Switzerland. Helvetas Nepal provides technical assistance to the project.

The aim of the partnership is to develop ecologically sustainable and culturally diverse trails in Koshi Province.

Through the implementation of this project, the Federal Government aims to achieve local economic development in Koshi Province by promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Helvetas-Nepal will provide all technical support in close cooperation and coordination with the provincial and local government to promote local economic development and sustainable tourism by developing culturally and historically significant trails in the high hills of Koshi Province.

The project will be implemented by 29 local governments in cooperation with the Koshi Provincial Government. It will involve the construction of approximately 400 km of trails and is expected to create approximately 2,000 local jobs in tourism-related businesses. In addition, approximately half a million person-days of employment will be generated through cash-for-work during trail construction.

"Once completed, the trails are expected to attract approximately 80,000 visitors annually, including domestic tourists and visitors from the region. This influx of visitors is expected to stimulate economic growth and contribute to the preservation of local culture and heritage," said Dr. Prabin Manandhar, Country Director of Helvetas-Nepal in Biratnagar.

Under this project, Chiabaari trekking trail (Ilam Fikkal Sriantu) Falgunand trail, (Fidim, Chintappu, Sandakpu, Maipokhari, Ilam) Laliguras trail (Tumlingtar, Khandwari, Numgufa Pokhari, Basantpur, There are Jaljle, Tinjure, Milken and Mandhum traiking tails (Tawabhanjang, Tyamkedanda, Chakhewa, Dalsinge, Dhotre, Jaljle, Hashpokhari, Mayungdanda).

This project aims to promote local economic development and sustainable tourism by upgrading the stunning trails in Koshi Province. Once completed, the trails are expected to welcome some 80,000 visitors annually, boosting local communities and preserving the region's rich cultural heritage. Another milestone in the Swiss-Nepal partnership for sustainable socio-economic development!

According to Helvetas Nepal, the core objectives of the project include the development and rehabilitation of trails to improve their safety and viability.

Similarly, the project also includes destination branding and promotion, marketing the culture and nature of Nepal. Under capacity building, the project works for unified provisions of culture and history and extreme sports. The project also includes policy advocacy. This will support the promotion of innovative products and responsible tourism.

"We look forward to future mutual cooperation aimed at engaging local people and preserving the wonderful wealth of Nepal's culture and nature," said Dr. Manandhar.

Four trekking routes have been opened by the government as part of the game changing project. Moreover, he believed that tourism would enhance the image of the province if the protest like strike and shutdown were banned in the province for five years.

Speaking on the occasion, the Provincial Minister for Tourism, Forest and Environment, Sadanand Mandal said that the trekking routes would be significant for tourism development.

Swiss Ambassador to Nepal, Dr. Daniel Myueli, said the Swiss government is always ready to support Nepal in its development path and implementation of the constitution and federalism.

He hoped that the project would benefit 29 local governments. Project coordinator Dr. Man Bahadur Bishwokarma presented a working paper on "Tourism and Potential" at the program.