KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 22
Tourism entrepreneurs today requested the government to formulate tourism-friendly policies as the country was all set to mark the tourism decade.
Speaking on the occasion of the fifth annual general meeting of Sherpa Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal, Sherpa entrepreneurs also vowed to cooperate with all government and other related agencies to promote Nepal's tourism in the world. "All should unite to address the current crisis that has been plaguing Nepali tourism," they said.
STEAN's President Pemba Sherpa 'Sangam' said that there was a need for an umbrella policy which could streamline all tourism activities. "STEAN is committed to promoting professionalism in the tourism industry," he said. STEAN would also plan to launch several skill-based technical and vocational trainings to Sherpa youth in the coming days, he announced. Sherpa entrepreneurs have contributed a lot to the state coffers but they still felt neglected, he bemoaned.
Former Chairperson of Nepal Mountain Academy Lakhphuti Sherpa said that Sherpa entrepreneurs should lobby against the merger of Nepal Mountain Academy and Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management. "They should be separate entity for the betterment of mountain tourism," she said, alleging that a few government officers were playing a foul against NMA.
Former President of Nepal Mountaineering Association and senior tourism entrepreneur Ang Tshering Sherpa said that its high time Sherpa climbers needed social security and welfare scheme from the government. "Renowned Sherpa climbers always felt neglected by the government," he said, adding that existing government policies were not tourism friendly.
STEAN's founding President Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa said that STEAN's motto was to enhance tourism business in the country. Sherpa also urged all to take initiatives for building a porter shelter in Khumbu region.
Former Provincial Minister Nima Lama lauded Sherpas' role in promoting Nepal's tourism and he also thanked STEAN for its efforts in uniting tourism entrepreneurs.
Chairman of Nepal Mountain Academy Wangdi Sherpa, Mayor of Bhudhanilkanth Municipality Mitharam Adhikari, Former President of All Nepal Football Association Karma Chhiring Sherpa, 24-time Everest Summiteer Ngima Nuru Sherpa and Nepal Sherpa Association's President Gyalje Lama Sherpa, and Nepal Sherpa Association's President Gyalje Lama Sherpa among other dignitaries were also present at the event. Mediapersons and tourism entrepreneurs were also felicitated on the occasion.
