KATHMANDU, JUNE 27

Newly appointed Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jeevan Ram Shrestha has signed two agreements.

Assuming office today, Minister Shrestha said that he has signed an agreement to construct a heritage trail linking two heritage sites - Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square and Swayambhunath.

'This trail reflects the cultural aspect of Kathmandu valley and will also help lure more tourists. Most of the preliminary works of this heritage trail, including the detailed project report, have been completed. Now, my first priority is to commence its construction.'

The government has also allocated the budget in the upcoming fiscal year 2022-23 for the construction of Swayambhu-Hanumandhoka heritage trail.

Moreover, Minister Shrestha said that he would prioritise to work on the revival of COVID-battered tourism industry.

He said that he will submit an action plan within seven days for revival of the tourism sector on the basis of previous study reports prepared by various committees.

'COVID-19 has severely affected the tourism sector, which is still struggling to bounce back,' Shrestha said, adding, 'During my tenure, I hope to be able to revive this industry.'

Earlier today, President Bidya Devi Bhandari had administrated the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed ministers, including Shrestha.

Shrestha is among the four ministers from the CPN (Unified Socialist) appointed on Sunday.

A version of this article appears in the print on June 28, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.