Kathmandu, September 27

Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari has urged tourism entrepreneurs to promote Nepal’s mountaineering sector in the international market to bring more tourists in the country.

Speaking at the 28th central annual general assembly of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) here today, Adhikari also said the government was ready to join hands with the private sector for the improvement of mountaineering as well as tourism services.

Stating that Nepal has been failing to exploit its tourism potential to the fullest, he said time has come for everyone to think about how more foreign tourists can be brought into the country.

Director General of Department of Tourism, Danduraj Ghimire said NMA has played a significant role in the promotion of adventure tourism in Nepal.

NMA President Santabir Lama urged government to increase its budget in adventure tourism sector.

According to him, NMA — which was established in 1973 as a non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organisation — has been working as a national alpine association of Nepal to promote mountain tourism, climbing sports, protect mountain environments and preserve and promote cultural heritage of mountain people. “It also runs welfare activities in the form of assistance to families of mountaineers who unfortunately meet tragedy on the high Himalayas.”

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, NMA also honoured two renowned Korean mountaineers with Late Kumar Khadga Bikram Adventure Tourism Award and Late Dr Harka Gurung Mountaineering Award.

UM Hong Gil who scaled all 14 highest peaks in 2001 was awarded with Late Kumar Khadga Bikram Adventure Tourism Award for supporting Nepal’s mountain communities in health and education sectors. In-Jeong Lee, former president of Union of Asian Alpine Associations, was presented with Late Dr Harka Gurung Mountaineering Award in recognition of his efforts and leadership to protect mountain environment, mountain communities and mountain diversities.

The minister also honoured journalists, including Rajan Pokhrel of The Himalayan Times and Chhetu Sherpa of Annapurna Post, with the Late Dawa Norbu Tourism Journalism Award for raising issues related to mountaineering.