Kathmandu, October 30

Stakeholders have appealed the government and major political parties to focus on development of tourism and enhancement of hotel industry in every province.

Speaking at a discussion programme on ‘Tourism development as a base to sustainable economy’ here today, domestic stakeholders of tourism industry said that a strong commitment from political parties and the

government to prioritise hospitality sector and tourism infrastructure in all provinces alone could boost tourism in Nepal.

The discussion programme was jointly organised by Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and Nepal Association of Rafting Agent (NARA).

The private sector stakeholders of the tourism industry also urged all political parties to prioritise the development of tourism in their manifesto for the upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections.

“As the country has adopted the federal system, the government and political parties should join hands with the private sector to develop plans, policies and roadmap regarding tourism development in all provinces,” said Amar Man Shakya, president of HAN. He also stressed that political parties and their leaders should stand together on tourism and development agenda.

According to Shakya, private sector is ready to invest in hospitality sector in every province if the government ensures availability of effective infrastructure, formulate tourism-friendly policies, improve air and road connectivity and ensure regular supply of electricity.

HAN officials also said that the government should gear up to develop tourism brand of every provincethat reflects the culture and tradition of each province and try attracting more Indian and Chinese tourists in the country.

Addressing the event, CPN (Maoist-Centre) leader Lila Mani Pokharel said his party will support growth of tourism and economy of Nepal.

Similarly, former minister for Energy and Nepali Congress (NC) leader Prakash Sharan Mahat expressed his commitment to keep tourism development under priority in the election manifesto of NC.