KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu branch of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), in coordination with Gokarneshwar Municipality, organised a special tourism promotion programme on Sataurday at Shahid Park Gokarneshwor in Kathmandu on sataurday.

The event, chaired by FNJ Kathmandu president Shobha Aryal, focused on the conservation, promotion and effective publicity of religious, cultural and natural tourist destinations within Gokarneshwar Municipality. The programme was attended by journalists, local representatives and municipal officials.

Gokarneshwar Mayor Deepak Risal, attending as chief guest, said the municipality was implementing a range of initiatives to develop the area as an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. He highlighted the importance of media engagement in promoting tourism and urged journalists to prioritise factual and constructive reporting.

Speakers at the programme said tourism development could play a key role in strengthening the local economy, stressing the need for close cooperation among government agencies, local communities and the media sector.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Aryal emphasised the responsibility of the media in supporting sustainable tourism development. She said the FNJ Kathmandu branch would continue to work with local governments to highlight tourism potential and bring it to national and international attention.

The programme was attended by Gokarneshwar’s mayor and deputy mayor, the chair of Shahid Park, Senior journalist Kishor Nepal, founding president of FNJ Kathmandu and former central president.

Similarly, FNJ central adviser Ramesh Bista, central member Surya Subedi, a member of the Press Council, local elected representatives and around 300 journalists from the FNJ Kathmandu branch.

The welcome address was delivered by programme coordinator and FNJ Kathmandu vice-president Hem Bahadur Rana (Kamal), while guests were received by branch joint secretary Bikram Ratna.