Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 17

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and other tourism outfits have welcomed the bilateral Air

Service Agreement (ASA) between Nepal and Thailand, which was signed yesterday.

The ASA has sparked a "new ray of hope" in meeting the increasing inflow of tourists as well as enhancing the healthy growth of the tourism sector, according to the statement. It further points out that the ASA holds a special significance since Thailand brings in more tourists from other Asian countries and the world.

"Thai Airways alone brought 39,825 tourists to Nepal in 2002, which is 18.2 per cent of the total air arrivals."

"We also express sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for making efforts to renew the agreement, which will be a milestone in promoting Nepal as a premier holiday destination."

The statement has been issued by the NTB and other associations such as the HAN, NATO and others.