Kathmandu, December 23

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has underscored the significant role that the tourism sector has been playing in country’s economy.

Inaugurating the 38th annual general meeting (AGM) of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) here today, PM Dahal said that the government was committed to help the private sector in development and expansion of Nepali tourism industry, as per a media release.

On the occasion, PM Dahal handed over letters of appreciation to top three member companies of TAAN — Himalayan Encounters, Royal Mountain Travel Nepal, Highland Excursions — on the basis of issuance of TIMS cards.

Similarly, Dahal presented a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and letter of appreciation each to Sunil Sharma, photojournalist of Xinhua news agency, and Mohan Prasad Mainali of Image Nepal travel magazine in recognition of their coverage of Langtang-Gosainkunda Half Marathon that TAAN organised earlier this year to disseminate the message that Langtang-Gosaikunda region is now safe for trekking.

Likewise, PM Dahal presented TAAN Sagarmatha Adventure Tourism Journalism Award to Kedar Dahal of Karobar daily, and TAAN Sagarmatha Pasang Lhamu Award to Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, a mountaineering instructor. The award carries a purse of Rs 25,000 and letter of appreciation each.

Minister of State for Agricultural Development Radhika Tamang, Tourism Secretary Shankar Prasad Adhikari, and Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi, among others, were also present in the programme.