KATHMANDU: The objective of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign is to establish Nepal as a premier tourist destination with a definite international brand image. However, still most of Nepal is unaware about the government campaign. The programme also lacks internal tourist promotion.

During a briefing organised today, representatives of different political parties voiced their support for and commitment to the success of NTY 2011. They also said there was lack of awareness about and concern for the rural areas and Tarai-Madhes region.

Speaking on the occasion, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party representative Gulab Chaudhari said the tourism year promotion campaign was too Kathmandu-centic. He added that as yet there has been no awareness programme about NTY 2011 in the rural areas of Tarai- Madhes. He pointed out that not even the government seems committed to the campaign as it is promoting only external tourist arrival and not focusing on boosting internal tourist movement.

Nepal Tarun Dal representative Pushpa Parajuli voiced support for the national campaign and urged for proper management of the infrastructure through mobilization of youth by granting them special package programmes. Parajuli also called for written commitment from political parties to ensure peace during the campaign.

UCPN-M central committee member Dambar Budhathoki said Indian tourists comprise the bulk of external tourists but are not given the treatment that Western tourists get.

The campaign also encourages home-stay for accommodation capacity enhancement as well as the opportunity for all to be a partner in tourism.

The official launch of NTY 2011 on February 26 at Tundikhel will have a peace torch coming here from Lumbini and the NTY 2011 secretariat head passing it to a renowned personality along with parades from six different places of valley. After the Kathmandu launch, programmes will be held across the country from east to west -- Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Chitwan, Pokhara, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj.