September 29, 2024

Nepal celebrated 45th World Tourism Day with focus on “Tourism and Peace”

Nepal marked the 45th World Tourism Day with a series of events under the theme “Tourism and Peace.” The occasion highlighted the crucial role of tourism in driving the nation’s economic prosperity and the importance of peace in sustaining tourism growth.

During the main event in Kathmandu, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Urban Development, Prakashman Singh, inaugurated the program and emphasized the significance of tourism for Nepal’s development. “Tourism is a vital sector for our country’s economic prosperity,” Singh stated, adding that peace is essential for the overall economic and social progress of the nation. He reaffirmed that the government is actively encouraging the private sector to play a pivotal role in advancing the tourism industry.

Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, reflected similar sentiments, highlighting Nepal’s vast tourism potential. Pandey emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure economic growth through tourism. He noted that in the face of global challenges like climate change, peace remains vital for fostering tourism.

Arun Kumar Chaudhary, Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, acknowledged the critical role of the private sector in promoting tourism. He stressed that the government is working towards implementing tourism-friendly policies to create a conducive environment for the sector’s growth.

Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the Nepal Tourism Board, emphasized Nepal’s leadership in global tourism, calling for greater cooperation among stakeholders to maximize benefits from the industry. Ram Prasad Sapkota (Kamal), Vice President of the Nepal Tourism Board, reiterated the interconnection between peace and tourism and the need for policies that nurture both.

In the hospitality sector, Vinayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), urged the government to prioritize tourism, citing significant investments in the hotel industry and the creation of nearly one million jobs. Hotelier Sangita Shrestha added that Nepal’s immense tourism potential could serve as a key driver for the country’s economic growth.

As part of the celebration, individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to tourism. Tourists arriving in Nepal via Jazeera Airlines and Fly Dubai were warmly welcomed at the airport by Hikmat Singh Ayer, Senior Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, who greeted them with food and Buddha statues.

In addition, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAN) honored five companies for organizing the highest number of trekking expeditions, while the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) announced three homestays in Gulmi, Dhading, and Sankhuwasabha as official tourism villages.

The event underscored Nepal’s ongoing efforts to develop tourism as a cornerstone of economic prosperity, with peace serving as the foundation for sustainable growth in the sector.