Cultural diversity promotes tourism: Minister Pandey

Dodhara Chandani, May 10: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has said Nepal's richness in natural beauty and cultural diversity is significant factor to promote tourism.

Minister Pandey said it while inaugurating the 'Far West Travel Meet' organized at Mahendranagar on Friday. "These special features play a vital role in drawing foreign tourists," he reiterated. He, however, said Nepal needs adequate physical infrastructures to promote tourism development. 

"We're planning to conduct flights from Pokhara to all provinces after holding talks to various airlines," he said, expressing hope it would contribute much to the tourism.

According to the minister, economic prosperity is not distant if we capitalize the cultural and natural diversities of Nepal. But the pressure on capital spending was causing 20 percent decline in tourism budget, he shared the plight.

The Minister admitted that as Nepal Airlines had not a robust influence, private airlines were taking advantage of this situation.

The meet organized jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board and Bhimdatt municipality will run for three days. (RSS)