Kathmandu, December 20:

Though Nepal is among a few nations where recreational aviation is possible for 10 months a year, touri-sm through air-sports has still not ttaken off, thanks to government apathy to make laws for its development.

“Fuzzy sport aviation policies are hindering the vast potential of booming tourism, which has doubled since the peace process started,” said Natasha Shrestha, general-secretary of the Nepal Air-sports Association. She said in Europe and other parts of the world, people cannot enjoy air sports due to unfavourable climate.

Six companies are running paragliding, hot air balloon and ultra-light plane services. The Balloon Sunrise was inviting over 400 tourists annually when it was stopped due to security reasons in 2003. Avia Club Nepal, which has a hot air balloon and ultra-light planes, is drawing over 1,400 tourists every year. The Sunrise Paragliding offers tourists to glide in the skies of Pokhara.

According to her, a special air sports body needs to be established, combining Nepal Air-sports Association, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board to resolve all policy-level problems related to air sports. “Besides, we can explore air sports activities like aero modelling, acrobatics, hang gliding and so on,” she said.

Dominic Cardy, acting resident country director of the National Democratic Institute and a flier, said he had not been able to bring his aircraft from Pokhara due to legal restrictions.

Mohan Adhikari, director general of CAAN, said the government was positive about developing air sports for promotion of tourism.