SURKHET: Province minister for industry, tourism, forest and environment, Nanda Singh Budha has said that the government of Karnali has allocated Rs 980 million for tourism development in the province.

Speaking at a programme organised by Nepal Tourism Board here on Saturday, Minister Budha said, out of the total budget, Rs 980 million was allocated for the tourism sector, which accounts for 52 per cent. "Emphasis will be laid on infrastructure development," he added.

The tourism minister also shared that the number of tourists coming to Karnali had increased after the inauguration of the 'Karnali-Rara Tourism Year 2075' by the Prime Minister.

Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Board Dipak Raj Joshi said tourism was the only industry that would give good returns of investment and be a continuous source of employment with local investment.