Local manpower has been extensively used to staff the hotels various requirements. They have been trained to cater to the exacting requirements and standards of a five-star resort. They have also been used to increase the employment opportunities of the local people and increase their income and living standards so that they don't flock to the already overcrowded cities in search of jobs.

Although capable of maintaining its own stable of ponies, the Resort has used local ponies for all guest requirements. This, again, has been done with the local economy in mind. Increasing the living standards of the people of Jomsom is one of the challenges, which the Resort is taking head-on. The Resort also flies tonnes of apples grown in local orchards to Pokhara city. This is done at subsidized rates so that the local farmers can avail the facility.

TOURISM WITH A CONSCIENCE

There was a strong vision and a unique entrepreneurial spirit behind the building of the Jomsom Mountain Resort. A vision that is aimed to develop Jomsom area, boost up the financial condition of the people and to fulfill the needs of quality tourists visiting or passing through Jomsom. After years of planning, the foundation of the Resort was laid down in 1998. Despite the rustic and difficult geographical condition, the construction of the Resort took only 2 years. It is really unbelievable that MI 17 helicopters with 4 -5 shuttles a day, sometimes accomplished with difficult sling operations, airlifted most of construction materials and interior items.

Before the opening of the Jomsom Mountain Resort, the local people were heavily dependent on the local market to sell their products like vegetables, fruits and handicrafts. Because of the low demand in local market and the inaccessibility to urban areas, the farmers had difficulty in selling their products, which would result in wastage of time and costly spoilage.

With the soft opening of the Jomsom Mountain Resort in January 1, 2000, the prospect for the local people is brighter in terms of raising their financial and social status. The Resort buys vegetables, fruits and other produce from the local farmers. The management has been assisting the farmers with regular tips on how to improve quality of their produce to suit the high standards of the deluxe resort. The scheme has been successful so far. With improved quality and efficiency, the local handicrafts will get a big boost. Regular visits to local houses are arranged during tours to show visitors how local handicrafts are made. This has contributed to raise the living standards of the people.

Employment opportunities have been provided to local people as much as possible. Local manpower is trained by the hotel and at a technical school nearby Lete. This prevents migration to the cities where the infrastructural development can no longer support such a huge influx of rural population. Thus the Resort continuously strives to maintain the ideals with which it was established.

ECO - FRIENDLY TOURISM

The Resort has installed only equipment, which meet the ecological criteria set by the World Bank. For instance, (1) The Resort has installed only PCB free transformers

All wastes from kitchen, laundry and sewage are properly treated and recycled. Liquid effluents is treated and used for gardening. Wastes that cannot be recycled are incinerated. Heat generated from the incineration is used to supplement water-heating measures.

All energy fuel, water requirements and liquid and solid effluent disposal meets the stringent standards set by World Bank. This project is one of the very few in the region in which the considerations of environment are major priority.

The Jomsom Mountain Resort is committed to promote tourism in Jomsom by protecting nature and promoting local economic development, which will ultimately contribute to national economy. We are optimistic that through this challenging task, we will be able to create a new eco-friendly generation in days to come.

Jomsom Mountain Resort continuously strives to maintain the unique landscape, customs, traditions, cultures and lifestyles of this area. A few days in Jomsom will rejuvenate both the bodyand soul.

MESSAGE FROM JOMSOM MOUNTAIN RESORT:

If you travel to any destination you should leave behind only footprints and take back only memories. Tourism should protect the natural environment, promote local economic development and stimulate the national economy by any. Only then will it be popular with the new emerging eco-friendly generation. So, if you were to decide to go for a holiday to a place that is distinctly different, unique in its geography, customs, food, culture, then the charming mountain resort of Jomsom is definitely the place to visit. This extraordinary land has all that one could ask for - magnificent mountains covered with snow, local in front of custome and delightful people with their lives steeped in local customs and traditions. Rediscover the soothing silences in the mystical sanctuary of the Himalayas. A few days of this and you'll experience a new spring in life and discover the luxury of true wellness.