Kathmandu, February 5:

Rising instances of protests and strikes in Terai has begun to worry tourism entrepreneurs. In a press release issued here today, Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) expressed its serious concern at the fuel shortage as well as the increasing number of casualties in Terai that it claims has hit the tourism industry hard. It urged all concerned parties to amicably solve differences and restore peace in the country at the earliest.

“The fuel shortage must be addressed with utmost urgency as the whole nation is reeling under the crisis. The tourism industry is facing hardships due to the problem as various groups have already started cancellations,” stated the release. According to NATO, this new crisis comes at a time when the tourism industry has started showing signs of revival.

If the country does not shun demonstrations and strikes immediately, it will never be able to improve the tarnished image of Nepal and promote it as a safe tourist destination. NATO has appealed to the government, NOC, Nepal Petroleum Dealers’ Association and all to take immediate steps.