KATHMANDU, JULY 7

Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has called for more effective publicity efforts to attract foreign tourists to Nepal.

He emphasized that institutions such as the Nepal Tourism Board and the Department of Tourism should adopt modern, especially digital, promotional strategies to showcase Nepal's breathtaking and diverse tourism destinations to the global audience.

Speaking at a national seminar titled 'Tourism in Nepal: Status, Challenges, and Prospects'-organized by the party's Central Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation-Prime Minister Oli remarked, 'We should be able to tell the world that life is not just about earning money, but about living meaningfully. People need to witness what real mountains look like. True happiness can be experienced by watching rhinos while riding an elephant-so let us invite the world to visit Nepal.'

He further noted that the government has prioritized tourism infrastructure development, while also urging all stakeholders to foster a more tourism-friendly environment.

'There should be no hesitation in creating digital content and promoting what our ancient scriptures say-for instance, that Lord Ram was born in Nepal and that Sita passed away on this land,' he said.

'Why can't we say Nepal is the sacred birthplace of Ram? Vishwamitra taught Valmiki in our Chatara village. Ram and Lakshman released the Ashwamedh horse here. King Dasharatha was from this land. I'm not inventing these claims; they are mentioned in our scriptures. Promoting such heritage should not be politicized.'

Questioning why a country with such rich knowledge, fertile land, and industrious citizens cannot develop on its own, Prime Minister Oli called on Nepalis to rely on their strength and capabilities rather than foreign aid.

He urged citizens to believe in themselves and work collectively to build the nation.

(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)