Nepal Trail-Based Tourism Development Project

• Client: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
• Partners: HELVETAS, Government of Koshi Province, Nepal; 29 Local Governments; Swiss Intercooperation
• Project Duration: January 2025 to July 2028

Project Overview

Tourism is a significant sector in Nepal, contributing 7.9% to the national GDP, yet Koshi Province lags behind with only a 1.9% contribution, despite its rich tourism assets. While Nepal has seen steady growth in tourist arrivals, especially from India, Koshi Province remains relatively unknown internationally.

This is paradoxical given the province’s stunning natural beauty, cultural diversity, and biodiversity. Koshi Province is home to five of the world’s highest mountains and is renowned for its picturesque tea gardens. Its cultural landscape is equally rich, encompassing diverse ethnic communities, ancient monuments, and significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, making it an ideal cultural and adventure tourism destination.

The Trail-Based Tourism Development Project (TTDP), a collaborative effort between the local and federal governments of Nepal and the Swiss government, aims to promote community-based tourism in Koshi Province. Solimar International, in partnership with Helvetas, is leading efforts to develop a comprehensive branding and marketing strategy, implement promotional campaigns, and facilitate stakeholder engagement to position Koshi Province as a premier tourism destination.

The project focuses on empowering local communities along four key trail networks, enabling them to actively engage in trail rehabilitation, provide high-quality tourism services, and develop sustainable tourism enterprises. The key trails include:

• Tea Garden Trails (Chiyabari Padmarg):
  • Fikkal-Chirpatra
  • Phedap- Sankrantibazzar- Maikhola- Ilam
  • Maikhola-Biblyate- Puwamajhuwa- Sandakpur
  • Lodhoma-Khan- Chhatre- Puwaneswori-Sungtang
• Falgunanda Trails:
  • Lubhu-Hile
• Rhododendron Trails (Lali Gurans Padmarg):
  • Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale
• Mundum Trails:
  • (Tawaribhangyang- Temke- Chaukihawa-
  • Danda Bazaar)- Jaljale- Hanspokhari-
  • Mauyang- Dhulikhel- Rawadin- Saptarkos-
  • Silichhung Peak)

By developing and promoting these trails, TTDP aims to enhance Nepal’s tourism appeal, strengthen local economies, and ensure long-term sustainability. The project directly impacts 211,000 individuals living within a three-hour walking radius of the trails, including marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities.

Major Activities

The TTDP marketing and branding strategy, developed by Solimar International, will focus on creating a strong identity for Koshi Province, promoting its unique assets, and engaging both domestic and international travelers. Key activities include:

• Launch of Nepal’s First Public-Private Tourism Board
  • Establish a Destination Management Organization (DMO) to drive sustainable tourism promotion and stakeholder coordination.
  • Develop a business plan for the DMO, securing public-private sector buy-in.
• Development of a Destination Branding and Marketing Strategy
  • Conduct market research to define Koshi Province’s unique value proposition.
  • Identify key traveler segments and position Koshi Province as a must-visit adventure and cultural tourism hub.
• Design and Execution of Promotional Marketing Campaigns
  • Develop 10 distinct promotional campaigns targeting domestic and international tourists.
  • Produce marketing materials and digital content to highlight Koshi Province’s hidden trails and authentic trekking experiences.
  • Optimize digital platforms for maximum engagement and traveler interaction.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
  • Conduct monthly meetings with TTDP partners to monitor progress and refine strategies.
  • Organize workshops and roundtables to align stakeholder interests and gather industry feedback.
  • Train at least 1,000 local residents (with 25% women participation) in tourism service delivery, business operations, and hospitality skills.
• Trail Rehabilitation and Infrastructure Development
  • Rehabilitate 400 km of trails to enhance tourist accessibility and safety.
  • Facilitate the establishment of at least 20 new or renovated lodges, homestays, and accommodations along the trails.
• On-Site Trip and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Conduct strategic meetings with public and private stakeholders to strengthen tourism partnerships.
  • Present and refine the branding and marketing strategy based on stakeholder input.
• Performance Monitoring and Impact Assessment
  • Implement systems to track and analyze campaign performance.
  • Provide ongoing recommendations to optimize marketing effectiveness.
  • Publish a final impact report on marketing campaign success and visitor trends.

Anticipated Results

The project aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Rehabilitate 400 km of trails, enhancing accessibility and sustainability.
• Generate 400,000 person-days of wage employment through trail rehabilitation and tourism-related activities.
• Attract 78,000 tourists to project trails in the final year of implementation.
• Establish or renovate 20+ lodges, homestays, and accommodations, supporting community-based tourism enterprises.
• Train at least 1,000 local residents, equipping them with skills in hospitality, guiding, and tourism operations.
• Directly benefit approximately 100,000 people in the surrounding trail corridors, with 40% to 100% being women and 35,000 from disadvantaged groups.

By creating a strong tourism brand, improving infrastructure, and fostering public-private collaboration, the Trail-Based Tourism Development Project will position Koshi Province as a leading adventure and cultural tourism destination, driving economic growth and conservation efforts in Nepal.