Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 12:

Tourism minister Buddhi Raj Bajracharya yesterday handed over the ABACUS top agencies awards for 2004 to five top travel agencies on behalf of the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation.

Osho World Travel Nepal, Rainbow Travels and Tours, Zenith Travels bagged first, second and third places. Similarly, Union International Tours and Travels and Deurali Travel and Tours also received the awards. RNAC is the national marketing company of ABACUS, the Asia Pacific’s largest global distribution system and computerised reservation system. The ABACUS system allows travel agents to book and gain access to information on airlines and hotels worldwide. RNAC’s unit called ABACUS Nepal NMC looks after the business. ajracharya said Nepal’s tourism has been largely affected due to negative publicity. He further said that King’s recent move aimed at addressing the ongoing problem and bring peace in the country. Mohan Khanal, chairman of the RNAC, blamed the country’s conflict for the deteriorating tourism business and that RNAC is helping Nepal Tourism Board in its promotional aspects.