KATHMANDU, JUNE 1

The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) has expressed concern over the government's decision to retain VAT on domestic and international airfares in the fiscal year 2082/83 budget.

In a statement issued Friday, NATTA General Secretary Yuvika Bhandari said the continued imposition of VAT on airfares-an issue the association has raised for the past two years-has disheartened stakeholders in the tourism sector.

While acknowledging some positive provisions for tourism in the new budget, Bhandari noted that the VAT on airfares remains a barrier to attracting tourists.