PREPARING FOR A RAPID GROWTH

Binesh Ghimire

Finance Head

Annapurna Cable Car

What are the current developments at Annapurna Cable Car?

We recently celebrated two years of successful operation and are proud to be seeing operational profits. However, we're still very much in the development phase, with a substantial investment in infrastructure and facilities. New attractions are underway, including a children's play area, additional restaurants, and a conference hall, all aimed at enhancing the overall experience for our visitors.

To support these developments and optimize our financial structure, we're preparing to raise 300 million Nepalese Rupees through an initial public offering (IPO), for which we've already filed an application. This funding will primarily help us reduce our debt by paying down bank loans, which will decrease our interest expenses and lead to greater nett profit in the near future. Given the scale and longevity of this project, we're only in the early stages, but we're highly optimistic about its growth and its promising returns for future investors.

What can we expect from Annapurna Cable Car in the near future?

You can expect a focused and strategic push in our marketing and promotion efforts. We plan to participate actively in tourism events, sponsorships, and branding collaborations to solidify Annapurna Cable Car as a must-visit attraction in Pokhara. By increasing our visibility and partnerships, we aim to ensure that every tourist considering Pokhara will see Annapurna Cable Car as an essential part of their itinerary. With these efforts, we're excited to become an even more prominent landmark for visitors from around the world.

What can you tell us about the fare structure of the Annapurna Cable Car?

We've ensured that the fare structure is very affordable and accessible to everyone. All the prices have been approved by the local government to make it affordable for locals. The round-trip fare for Nepalese citizens is just Rs. 700, and we also offer discounts for senior citizens, children, and students. Children under 3 feet travel for free. For SAARC tourists, the fare is Rs. 1000, and foreign tourists pay USD 12 for the same service.

This makes the Annapurna Cable Car one of the most cost-effective ways to travel to Sarangkot and enjoy the various attractions in the area, offering great value for the experience. We're committed to providing an affordable yet premium experience for all kinds of tourists visiting Pokhara.

 What are your immediate future plans for the Annapurna Cable Car?

Our immediate focus is on awaiting the approval for our IPO, which will be a significant step for us as we transition to a public company. As a limited company, we are strengthening our team to be more responsible and preparing ourselves for public transparency in line with company laws.

Lesioning, budgeting, and thorough documentation of both our short-term and long-term plans are currently top priorities. We're also restructuring our organization to position ourselves for rapid growth. Along with these internal improvements, we're planning an aggressive promotional and branding campaign in the coming months, which will play a key role in expanding our reach and establishing Annapurna Cable Car as one of the key attractions in Pokhara.

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