KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 25

The half-yearly general assembly of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) concluded on Saturday.

On the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jeevan Ram Shrestha released a coffee table book titled 'Nepal: A Journey from East to West' published by HAN, also remarking that the book will contribute to the aspirations of the Tourism Decade announced by the ministry. Minister Shrestha said that he will leave no stone unturned to promote post-COVID tourism.

Shreejana Rana, president of HAN, said that the tourism and hotel industry also contribute to the country's economy, and requested the hotel industry to be regulated as a national priority industry. Hotel industry has invested approximately Rs 15 trillion and incurred losses to the tune of Rs 1.80 billion due to COVID-19.

'The concept of the coffee table book was born during the stagnant time. While people couldn't visit us due to the global circumstances, we focused on creating a product which could highlight what our beautiful country has to offer. We have brought together aspects of all seven provinces, the food and the ayurvedas. This book is available in three languages - French, German along with English.We hope it serves the purpose for which we have brought this book to life,' Rana shared.

Talking about the vision of promoting 'Visit Nepal Decade 2023- 2033', Rana assured HAN's support towards the ministry's vision. 'We need to continue focusing on a clear road map and annual tourism calendar alongside maintaining the authenticity and simplicity. There is a need for public-private partnerships, policies and developing infrastructure and connectivity to further enhance the experience of both international and domestic tourists in Nepal.We need to continue to work together and further develop our skilled manpower, ensure standardisation and proper monitoring and evaluation, improve sharing of knowledge and information and further improve digitisation in the industry,' she added.

At the event, HAN also inaugurated the Nepal Hospitality Conclave 2022, aimed at bringing stakeholders together from various sections of the hospitality industry, including investors, operators, professionals and service, financial consultants, policymakers, influencers, and value chain stockholders for two days to discuss, deliberate and exhibit contemporary industry issues, innovations, trends, business breakthroughs, collaborations, and business trends in the wider region of Nepal.

HAN President Rana said that since there are many problems in the tourism and hotel industry, the issues identified during the one-day conclave regarding the industry will be presented to the government to implement the required changes.

State Minister for Health and Population Umesh Shrestha said that this kind of conclave will help to move forward in the future. He said that the government of Nepal is positive towards the suggestions presented by Hotel Association Nepal from time to time and homework is being done on how to advance the country's tourism industry.

On the same occasion, the Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol said that various programmes will be held to extend the stay of tourists.

Furthermore, Sajan Shakya, general secretary of HAN, said that the country can handle five million tourists in the current situation. He requested the government to estimate the arrival of tourists in the country and conduct tourism activities accordingly.

A version of this article appears in the print on September 26, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.