Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 24:

Tourism entrepreneurs and government authorities said the tourism sector, which is the backbone of the nation’s economy, should be “preserved”. At a programme on ‘Rebuilding the image of Nepali tourism through embassies abroad’ organised by Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) today, they urged foreign diplomatic missions to help promote Nepal by disseminating accurate and positive information about the country. Basant Mishra of NATO said “foreign diplomatic missions in the country can play a huge role by checking travel advisories and countering incorrect news”. Tourism Minister Budhi Raj Bajracharya agreed that dissemination of “confusing” news and inaccurate travel advisories has affected tourists’ perception of Nepal and that Nepali diplomatic missions abroad can “play a proactive role”. He admitted the country’s weakness in failing to counter negative publicity and prevent Nepal’s de-listing.