KATHMANDU: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has urged tourism entrepreneurs to move ahead bringing new programmes and concepts for the uplift of the entire tourism sector that has been affected following the April 25 earthquake.

The NTB organised a capacity building programme in the capital today aimed at inspiring entrepreneurs. It was stated that major tourism destinations including Pokhara, Lumbini, and Sauraha have not been affected by the quake at all.

The officials said though the quake completely damaged around 500,000 houses and partially damaged 300,000 houses in the east of Gorkha district, it has had no effect on Mt Everest, the highest peak of the world, Gautam Buddha’s birth place Lumbini, and tourism hubs such as Pokhara, Ilam, and many other places so entrepreneurs should not worry about their business as it would recover soon.

The historical Dharahara, and some buildings, temples, monasteries and palaces that have religious, historical, and archeological importance suffered complete damage, but they would be built anew at a later date.

At the programme, entrepreneurs expressed commitment to support the government in improving the tourism business that had suddenly gone down after April 25 and said efforts have been made to convey the message that Nepal is a safe and right destination for tourism.

Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Surendraman Shrestha also said the government has been working to invite more foreigners for mountaineering, trekking and rafting by providing the message that Nepal was a safe tourism destination. The re-opening of places of archeological importance for visit has given a positive message among the international community. Tourist arrivals will soon increase, he summed up.

Administrative Officer of the NTB Ramesh Kumar Adhikari said the programme was organised to promote national tourism and encourage entrepreneurs.