KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 27
Nepal is celebrating the 46th World Tourism Day today with a grand program in Kathmandu, carrying strong messages from the Prime Minister Sushila Karki and other stakeholders reaffirming the country's position as an open, safe, and attractive tourist destination.
The celebration, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) with support from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), took place at the NTB Hall in Bhrikuti Mandap. Speakers highlighted that Nepal has swiftly recovered from the disruptions caused by the Gen-Z movement.
In her message, Prime Minister Karki stressed the need to develop Nepal's mountain tourism as a full-fledged industry. "Nepal, incredibly rich in unique natural beauty, biodiversity, multi-ethnic and multilingual culture, and home to the world-renowned Himalayas, is a highly attractive destination for tourists," she said. "It is essential to establish tourism as a strong foundation of the national economy. To earn foreign currency, create jobs, and boost income, it is crucial to identify, promote, and develop underexplored destinations."
MoCTCA Secretary Hari Prasad Mainali acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in reviving Nepal's tourism. "The advancement of Nepal's mountain tourism is impossible without the private sector's support," he remarked. "I highly appreciate its initiative in helping the industry recover after the Gen-Z setbacks."
NMA President Phur Gelje Sherpa called for Nepali envoys abroad to be more actively involved in promoting Nepal as a destination.
"It would be highly effective to invite all Nepali ambassadors back to Nepal, brief them on tourism priorities, and assign them the responsibility of promotion in their respective countries," he suggested.
Held under the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," the event also recognized contributions to Nepal's tourism sector. Honorees included Siddhi Bahadur Tamang, the first person in the world to summit Mt. K2 seven times, and Ang Norbu Sherpa, noted for his significant efforts in developing mountain tourism. Both were recommended for recognition by the NMA.
