Kathmandu, Jan 3: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has said the government has prioritised the need to address policy gaps in the aviation, culture and tourism sector.
During a meeting of the Committee on International Relations and Tourism on Friday, the Minister said, "The Nepal Tourism Board serves as a think-tank for the tourism sector. This is more concentrated on promoting tourism industry than the infrastructures."
As he stressed, the Board should act dynamically and develop a system to assess results. He also advised it prioritizing its responsibilities in support and coordination of the three-level governments.
On the occasion, Ministry Secretary Dr Ganesh Prasad Pandey viewed quality development in the tourism industry requires more investment. The tourist arrival largely bound in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan should be expanded to other areas as well with a guarantee of reliable and comfortable transport facilities, quality hospitality, and sufficient physical infrastructure, he underlined.
Tourism Board's Executive Director Deepak Joshi said the tourism industry that was affected badly by Covid-19 pandemic has now been revived 96 percent in view of tourists' arrival.
Prior to this, the participants in the meeting advised the Board that it oriented aspiring foreign employees, and those going for abroad studies for publicity of Nepal's touristic destinations, and implement tourism promotional programmes targeting India and China. They urged the Board to act through a quality approach and implement a strategy to identify and promote new destinations.
Committee President Raj Kishor Yadav was of the view there should be no further delay in presenting a master plan for the development of tourism industry, a major contributor to the economy. (RSS)