Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 8:

Nepal Tourism Board has welcomed King Gyanendra’s recent royal proclamation which has brought about “greater normalcy” in terms of peace, safety and security throughout the country. Tourists can now plan their holidays in Nepal without worrying about strikes and bandhs which has had a severe impact on the tourism industry in the past, the NTB said in a press statement.

“The travel industry has shown consolidated enthusiasm to entertain all the tourists coming to Nepal with greater vigour and warm hospitality, especially at a time when the high season of tourist arrivals from India and other major markets is about to begin, the NTB said.

The public vehicles, national and international flights resumed their scheduled services from the very next day of the royal proclamation and buses to tourist destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are running smoothly.

NTB in its statement quoted Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Buddhi Raj Bajracharya saying, “The government is committed to provide all kind of facilities and hospitality to tourists without flinching from its core responsibility. The Government has given high priority to the tourism industry due to its multidimensional approach and largest trickle down effect.”

“The minister has welcomed all tourists visiting Nepal thereby assuring them that the country is heading towards the restoration of peace, security and democratic values,” the statement read. “According to him, the country is gearing towards attracting more tourists in the coming days and that the government is committed to ensuring them with better services .”

However, tour operators are holding sightseeing tours in and around the Kathmandu Valley and that the tourists are fully enjoying their vacations in various destinations such as Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Annapurna and Everest regions, the statement further added.

This is possible all because “tourist establishments” and communication services are running smoothly while the tourists’ movements are not being restricted in any way, it has said.

The Tourism Crisis Response Action Unit at NTB responds to all queries and facilitates or takes necessary initiatives to help tourists and they can be reached at telephone number 4227381, the NTB added.