Nepal observed 34th World Tourism Day by organizing various events and programs throughout the country on September 27, 2013.
Addressing the function, Minister for Agricultural Development Mr. Tek Bahadur Gharti Magar, who was also looking after the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said that the country could achieve high economic growth if we promoted water resource by linking it with tourism. Perfection of water is also important for sustainable development of the tourism sector, he said. Minister Gharti Magar Minister also stressed the need of enhancing the capacity of the private and government sectors to develop tourism and extend its benefits to rural people.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Ghimire underlined the need to increasing tourist spending by introducing innovative tourism products. “Our national flag carrier is not being able to support tourism industry because of aircraft shortage,” he said, adding, “But good thing is that we have already placed order to buy two aircraft for China.” Ghimire also said preparations are underway to place orders for two small aircraft.
Addressing the program, Subash Nirola, Acting CEO of NTB, expressed commitment to move forward for the betterment of tourism industry. He also said the NTB management will put its focus on effective promotion of tourism and products and services in both domestic and international arena.
“Nepal needs to focus on agro tourism and eco tourism for the sustainable development of the tourism industry,” Ramesh Dhamala, president of Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN), said. He also asked the government to do the needful in controlling illegal operation in tourism business.
In the program, Mohan Krishna Sapkota, joint secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), said the government is doing internal homework to dedicate certain river segments for adventure tourism activities.
Similarly, NTB appointed Chimmi Sherpa, first Miss Sherpa 2012 and Min Bahadur Serchan – the oldest Nepali to climb Mt Everest – as the Honorary Goodwill Ambassador of Nepali tourism industry. NTB also provided certificate of appreciation and cash prize of Rs 10,000 to its security guard Tulsi Pokharel.
Minister for Agricultural Development Tek Bahadur Gharti Magar, who was also looking after the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Sushil Ghimire inaugurated Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Counter and newly structured Help Desk and Information Centre built in NTB premises. Minister Thapa also launched the ´Great Buddhist Biking Trial´ identified by Buddhistcircuits.com and Chitlang village in Makwanput district as ´Village Tourism Destination 2013/14 by Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF). He also unveiled publications like ´Nepal Tourism Year 2011´ and the souvenir ´Gorkha Tourism´.
Earlier, a colorful rally was taken from Thamel to Basantapur Durbar Square via Durbar Marg. World Tourism Day was also celebrated in Pokhara, Bahirawa, Kailali, Kakirvitta, Bhaktapur and Mahendranagar by welcoming the guests.
source: Nepal Tourism Board, 30 Sept 2013
