KATHMANDU: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) will establish a dedicated information desk to provide regular and verified updates on tourists affected by the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli flash floods, as authorities step up efforts to locate those still missing.
The decision was taken during a meeting on Sunday involving government agencies and tourism-sector organisations. The meeting also called for stronger coordination in the search and rescue of tourists reported missing following the devastating floods of August 26.
The meeting was led by Ramkrishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Department of Tourism, and Hikmat Singh Ayer, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of NTB. Around 40 representatives from government agencies and tourism organisations participated.
The new information desk will include representatives from the Nepal Tourism Board, Department of Tourism, Tourist Police, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Hotel Professional Federation Nepal (HPFN) and the Association of Kailash and Manasarovar Tour Operators.
The desk will regularly share verified information about tourists who have been rescued, remain missing or are otherwise affected, along with updates on the situation in flood-hit areas.
Tour and travel companies have also been asked to provide verified details of missing tourists through designated contact persons and coordinate with relevant embassies regarding foreign nationals. Companies handling affected travellers will be responsible for providing their families with accurate and timely information.
The meeting also decided to request the government to establish a dedicated coordination cell within the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The proposed cell would maintain coordinated information on tourists who have been rescued, reported missing or confirmed dead.
Tourism businesses affected by the floods have meanwhile been asked to submit information about damage to tourism infrastructure to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and NTB.
NTB has urged tourism businesses and other stakeholders to share only verified and timely information through the established coordination system and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports as search, rescue and recovery efforts continue.
