Concept of cross-border tourism in the Himalayan region floated

Kathmandu, January 6

At a time when the country’s tourism industry has suffered a huge blow after the deadly April 25 quake and border blockade, a team of experts in the field of tourism have unveiled a new concept of ‘Cross Border Tourism in the Himalayan Region’.

The experts under the banner of the National Tourism Foundation (NTF) have proposed to uplift the local economy by arranging trips for tourists in the Himalayan region along the routes of Nepal-Lhasa (China) and Bhutan-Sikkim (India).

The experts believe that mutual relations and goodwill along with the living standards of the people of the respective countries would reach newer heights if the project is implemented.

In a bid to solicit feedback on the plan, the NTF organised an interaction programme in the Capital today in the presence of former chief secretary Leelamani Poudyal, geographers, tourism experts, border experts and business leaders, among others.

On the occasion, the speakers said that the new concept of cross-border tourism would also strengthen cross-country relations.

Director General of Department of Tourism Gobinda Bahadur Karkee said that the tourism industry of the Himalayan regions of the countries would flourish if its potential were fully tapped, adding that the regions share common natural beauty and people’s lifestyle.

Former chief secretary Poudyal said that the issue of cross-border tourism should be addressed on policy-basis and should be implemented practically.

NTF Chairman Prachanda Man Shrestha and tourism entrepreneur Bikram Pandey said that the new concept would be relevant for the promotion of national and international tourism.

Likewise, Chairman of Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Rup Narayan Rai, international ultra marathoner Roshni Rai, Everest climber Kunjan Gyaso Bhutin and others also expressed their opinions.

On the occasion, Poudyal and former tourism secretary Dipendra Purush Dhakal were feted for their contribution for the promotion of the tourism industry.