Kathmandu, November 18:

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami said that new Tourism Policy that is in the offing will put tourism sector in the priority list as it is a source of income.

Speaking on the occasion of Nepal Tourism Board’s (NTB) 10th Anniversary here today she said that the present situation is favourable for the development of tourism industry.

“However, local community should be given lead role for sustainable tourism development.”

“Government is fully committed to build infrastructure and to encourage investment and private sector is all set and energised to take up the enterprise with vigour and confidence,” said Prachanda Man Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer of NTB.

The tourist arrivals in the recent months has surged and it also posted a record arrivals of 5,26,705.

“NTB is making all its possible efforts to reach beyond traditionally marketed and established triangle of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan,” Shrestha said.