Kathmandu, February 21:

With government’s continuous lackadaisical attitudes towards ‘sick’ tourism industry that is a bread and butter for thousands, tourism related people have come up with an idea of issuing ‘concept paper’ incorporating all tourism related organisations’ views along with strategies to revive the sector.

Under the leadership of Prakash Shrestha, president of Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA),Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) and Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA), discussed exclusively today the contribution of tourism sector to the national economy and in creating employment opportunities, states a press release.

According to HAN, they discussed tourism industry’s role in economy, government’s ignorance to name it a priority industry along with facilities to boost the se-ctor considering its multiplier impact on all economic sectors.

The presidents of respective associations, Dhruba Narayan Shr-estha (NATO), Surya Joshi (NA-RA), Ang Chhiring Sherpa (NM-A), Ganesh Neupane (secretary of TAAN) and Yadav Khanal executive member of NATO took part in the discussion.

Other 20 members of different associations also participated and expressed their problems in operating ‘travel and tourism’ businesses.