Experts stress policy reform for tourism promotion

Kathmandu, April 19: Experts and stakeholders in the sector of tourism have suggested launch of special packages along with policy and structural reforms so that tourism sector would see a significant boost, generating employments and propping up national economy.    
    
How the foreign tourists' stay could be prolonged with exploration of new destinations in Nepal must be discussed and programme launched accordingly, they stressed.    
    
During a policy conclave organized on the 8th anniversary of the IHM College in the federal capital on Friday, former member secretary at CTEVT and tourism expert Dr Ramhari Lamichhane viewed quality of hospitality could be enhanced to ensure joyful stay of foreign tourists in Nepal. Even the traditional practice can be promoted to spur tourism activities, he said, adding that new schemes in package could be introduced for it.    
    
All sides concerned need to pay heed to create jobs within country through tourism and production, Dr Lamichhane added.    
    
Another panelist and tourism reporter at RSS, CB Adhikari, said if government and tourism related bodies worked together to bring policy reform, it would be helpful to see more foreign tourists. "Development of tourism infrastructures also counts much for sustainable tourism development. The public-private partnership is fruitful to spur tourism activities," he underlined.    
    
Similarly, Chief Executive at Hospital Guides, Surach Prasain, viewed the programme was organized to build a shared perspective on how the travel and hospitality related issues could be included in the forthcoming budget.    
    
Director General at Ramada Incore Hotel, Mahesh Phunyal, viewed investment in hospitality and workforce production would be a meaningful initiative in promotion of foreign tourists in Nepal.    
    
Director General at Royal Tulip Kathmandu Hotel, Balram Pathak, also underlined the need of producing skilled workforce for hospitality and tourism businesses.    
The hospitality experts including Rabindra Singh and Pranisha Dhungel said challenges in hospitality sector needs immediate address by the all sides concerned.    
    
Other issues like air fare, proper roadways, exploration of new destination, promotional activities, linkage of hospitality schools to tourism, policy reform and adequate budget were dwelt in during the programme. (RSS)