Nepal - May 2, 2024

Storyline:
Tourism in Pokhara, a popular tourist city in Nepal, has taken severe hit from wildfire-induced air pollution, which has caused protracted disruption to flight departing and heading to the city since late April.

Recently, nationwide dry and windy weather has caused multiple wildfires in the country. Smoke and dust have caused severe air pollution in Pokhara. Since April 26, Nepalese flights heading towards the city's Pokhara International Airport has seen widespread cancellation.

Pokhara attracts worldwide travelers with its enchanting natural scenes of snowy mountains and lakes, diverse culture and well-developed trekking routes. Currently, the city's tourism is struggling with air pollution as pollutants reduce the landscapes' appeal to tourists.

Pokhara is Nepal's second largest city, where outdoor sports industry and tourism are the two pillar industries of the local economy.

Shotlist:
Pokhara Metropolitan City, Gandaki Province, Nepal – Recent:
1. Various of street scene, motorcycles running ;
Kathmandu, Nepal - Recent:
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Italian tourist (name not given):
"I'm going to Pokhara. I was really waiting this with other travelers. But now since this morning, we are here, nobody tells us anything.";
3. Screen showing flight information;
Pokhara Metropolitan City, Gandaki Province, Nepal – Recent:
4. Various of lake, boats;
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Gaurab Dahal, travel agency employee:
"Yes, because of this weather, many flights are cancelled, you know, because of the wildfire around Nepal, all the flights have been cancelled and tourism in Pokhara is decreasing day by day. The roads, you can see, they are all empty. The bookings, they are all cancelled. So, it has been a great trouble for us due to this weather. I hope the rain will come soon."
6. Various of street scene, motorcycles running .

Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland