Kathmandu, May 8

Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) — the umbrella organisation representing tour operators in the country — has expressed serious concern over political parties not incorporating issues of tourism sector in their manifestos for the upcoming local level election.

Issuing a press statement today, NATO lamented that election manifestos of parties have only talked about big dreams and mega projects but have not touched on resolving minor issues and setbacks existing in the tourism sector of Nepal.

NATO has highlighted issues related to sudden hikes in monument fees, over-crowding, unruly hawkers, beggars, traffic congestion, lack of access to proper water, electricity, sanitation, personal security to those involved in tourism sector, lack of transportation, access to secure parking facilities for tourists, lack of hygienic toilets, sanitation, access to drinking water, open spaces and rest spots as the major setbacks in tourism sector.

“It is glaringly obvious that issues related to problems faced by those employed in tourism industry, visiting tourists and the entire tourism sector have found no place in election manifestos,” the statement reads, adding low priority to tourism issues by political parties will leave an impact in the industry in the long run.