Tourism is foundation of Nepal's development and prosperity: Minister Dr Rana

Kathmandu, April 14: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has urged for the promotion of tourism in Nepal, highlighting its vast potential for the country's development and prosperity.    

She made this statement at a retreat organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Antu and Kanyam of Ilam for the heads of foreign missions in Nepal and representatives of various international organisations.

"Nepal's unique culture, heritage and natural beauty are the major attractions to the world, and these invaluable assets are the basis of the country's development and prosperity."    

Dr Rana praised Nepal's cultural and natural diversity, as well as its beauty, greenery, biodiversity and heritage, and mountain ranges. Explaining the importance of the

Ilam region, she described Ilam as a land of tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and warm-hearted local people, and urged everyone to experience tea gardens, clean air, traditions, and lifestyle of the tourist destination, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.    
    
She urged the world community to invest in tourism and infrastructure development in Nepal, noting that foreign investment could further unlock the country's potential. Dr Rana urged the visiting diplomats to become “ambassadors” for the country’s tourism. “I urge you to take the inspiring stories and beauty of Ilam and Nepal as a whole to your countries and people when you return home, and do your best to promote it,” she said to the diplomats.    
    
Also speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai requested people to experience and appreciate the unique cultural and natural beauty of Nepal.    
The event was attended by ambassadors from over 15 countries, including the UK, Japan, and Australia, and heads and representatives of various international organisations.    
    
The touring officials captured the beauty of Kanyam and the charm of the tea plantations in photographs and observed the sunrise from the top of the mountain on Monday morning.    
Co-organised by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Suryodaya Municipality of Ilam, the event aimed to showcase Nepal's warm hospitality, and its diversity, rich culture and natural beauty to the world community.    
The programme was organised coinciding with Nepali New Year, 2082, seeking to highlight Ilam's significance as a tourist hub by introducing its natural and cultural beauty and locality to promote tourism in Nepal. (RSS)