The investment of the Far West provincial government of Rs. 1.21 billion in tourism infrastructure in various districts at Tourist sites in the Far West without tourists. These sites are largely deserted and attract minimal footfall.

For example, the Hirapur Amusement Park, Rs. The Patan New Town project under the federal government has not been able to attract domestic and foreign tourists for Rs. 20 million. Bhupraj Poudel, the chief engineer of the Patan New Town Project Office, admitted that the remote location of the park was a major obstacle to its success. Plans are underway to build a new amusement park in a more accessible location.

Similarly, the Patan airport, which was built four years ago at an investment of Rs. 4 billion. 170 million, remains idle and deserted.

The provincial government has allocated Rs. 1.2 billion for various tourism promotion structures such as temples, reception areas, guest houses, and rest houses. However, these investments have failed to attract enough tourists or generate meaningful revenue. Notably, the provincial and local governments have not kept any figures on the revenue generated from tourism-related activities in the region.

Investment in temples
A large portion of the tourism fund has been allocated for temple construction. In Baitadi district, Rs. 105.7 million has been spent on the construction of 59 temples under the supervision of the Division Forest Office. However, according to Information Officer Madan Joshi, no budget has been allocated for temple construction in the current fiscal year.

In the past five years, 813 temples have been built across the province. Rs. 1.05 billion has been allocated and Rs. 820 million has already been spent. In the current fiscal year, Rs. 232.1 million has been allocated for temple-related projects.

The Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment has consistently prioritized temple construction under its 10-year Tourism Development Master Plan. For example, the budget includes:

Rs. 160 million for 300 temple projects in the fiscal year 2019/20,
Rs. 240 million for 270 projects in the fiscal year 2020/21,
Rs. 190 million for 250 projects in the fiscal year 2021/22,
Rs. 232.1 million for 294 projects in the fiscal year 2022/23.
However, the ministry’s secretary, Pramod Bhattarai, has revealed a change in strategy from this year. “The ministry will now separate temples and tourist sites. Small temples rooted in local cultural traditions should come under the purview of the Ministry of Social Development and local governments. We will focus on religious and tourist sites of provincial importance,” Bhattarai said.

Criticism from tourism stakeholders
Stakeholders have criticized the government’s approach to tourism development, especially the emphasis on temple construction. Many argue that the use of concrete and cement in temple construction has reduced its authenticity.

Maya Prakash Bhatta, president of Nepal Tour and Travel Association, Dhangadhi, has expressed dissatisfaction.
“The government has failed to separate temples and real tourist destinations. They are allocating budget to build temples in every village and calling them tourist destinations. Meanwhile, there is not a single airport of international standards in the province. Khaptad lacks roads and hotels. Why would anyone come here to see the cement gate without proper infrastructure?

Kanchanpur tourism entrepreneur Parmanand Bhandari pointed out the lack of provincial support for private tourism initiatives. Although some Indian tourists come to Kailali and Kanchanpur due to private efforts, poor infrastructure, and unfriendly border crossings hinder large numbers.

Neglect of cultural heritage
The Far West province is home to rich cultural diversity, including:

Rana-Tharu culture in Kailali and Kanchanpur,
Deuda, Chaliya, Phag, Sagun, Dhunga, and stone temples in the hilly areas,
Traditions of the Byasi community of Darchula, are characterized by their unique language, dress, and customs.

Despite so much cultural heritage, no provincial museum has been established to preserve and exhibit these heritages.

Social leader Maya Prakash Bhatta suggested the establishment of a collective museum to highlight the three major cultural heritages of the province. He also highlighted the potential for research into the region’s language, culture, and customs, lamenting the lack of government investment in these areas.

Conclusion
The Far West region has immense tourism potential due to its cultural heritage and natural beauty. However, misplaced priorities, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of strategic planning have hampered its development. Re-evaluating tourism development strategies with a focus on sustainable and inclusive projects is crucial to unlocking the region’s potential.