Australian delegation returns home, terms Nepal safe tourist destination

KATHMANDU: An Australian delegation led by lawmaker Jing Lee returned home today after completing a weeklong visit in Nepal.

Speaking at a press meet at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) before her departure, lawmaker Lee said her delegation arrived here seeking to support Nepal in its ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction campaign and added that "Nepal is safe for travel".

During her Nepal visit, she found it safer, she shared her experiences, urging the international community to visit Nepal and help it in the reconstruction efforts. "Nepal is rich in history, art, culture and adventurous trekking routes, mountains, flora and fauna and natural possessions have made it a wonderful tourist destination,' she described.

The delegation member visited the areas within Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Mesmerised by the natural beauty of Pokhara, she said, "One must visit Nepal, at least once in lifetime."

Traditional art and culture inherited by the capital, natural beauty of Pokhara, an elephant riding experience in Chitwan and hospitality of Nepali citizens touched their hearts and made a print in their minds, the Australian guest said.

Malaysia born lawmaker from the Australia's ruling party, Liberal Party of Australia said their visit was aimed at giving a message to the world that after April and May earthquake last year, Nepal is safe as a tourist destination now.

The lawmake Lee made commitment that she would encourage the Australian people to visit Nepal.

During the visit, the Austrian lawmaker made courtesy call on the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation including some of her counterparts and the government senior officials.

At the press meet, Nepal's Honorary Consul to the South Australia Deepak Dhamala expressed his belief that Lee's visit has helped further consolidate the bilateral ties between Nepal and Australia.

Lawmaker Lee is also learnt to have individually contributed to the Prime Minister's Natural Disaster Fund in the wake of the last year's April 25 earthquake in the country.