Terrorism and violence -- the major problems inherent in Nepal and the world over -- are probably having the greatest negative impact on the tourism sector. Ironically, it is this sector which can play a major role in checking the worsening situation in the country.

This possibility was discussed on Friday at an interaction on "The role of the tourism sector in the present situation" organized by the Explore Nepal Group. Other issues that were discussed were the importance of conserving the environment and culture for better tourism prospects.

When the tourism business operates smoothly it can also contribute to poverty alleviation, which is a burning concern in the nation at present. For this, a "Poverty Alleviation Fund" was suggested which would be sustained with two per cent of earnings from the tourism sector.

Since the life and blood of the tourism industry are peace, hospitality, cultural and natural assets, the industry would surely collapse if these cannot be sustained. With the recent political disturbances and growing environmental degradation, potential tourism attractions of the country are now at stake.

At the face of such conditions, executive director of the Explore Nepal Group Bharat Basnet says, "It is time now for those of us related with the tourism industry to give up petty and unhealthy competition among ourselves and to rather seek out and play our role in relieving the country from its current misery."

Every year around 750 million people from around the world tour the Asia-Pacific region. To sustain or raise this inflow, it is an utmost necessity to maintain peace, he said. Not just for tourism, peace is necessary to sustain any industry. The need of the hour, as the discussion disclosed, is to recover the fallen glory of tourism and to generate ways to combat poverty from proceeds of this industry.