POKHARA: Stakeholders on Sunday said that concerted efforts, on part of both the private and government agencies, were required to restore the tourism sector that has seen a slump in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes.

Participants at an interaction on ‘Reforms for the Development and Promotion of Tourism Sector in the Aftermath of the Massive Quake’ expressed their concerns about baseless rumours that have damaged the tourism sector. They said that it was unfortunate to see the massive decline in the tourists arrival only because of partial damage in three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu and minor disturbances along Langtang, Rolwaling and Manaslu trekking routes in the country.

Rabindra Adhikari, Chairman of the Development Committee of the Legislature-Parliament, said that it was unfortunate to see almost 90 per cent fall in the tourism industries despite 10 per cent destruction in the sector in the quake. “Destruction of only a handful of temples doesn’t matter much in a country which has numerous temples. We are committed to reconstructing them soon. Though few heritage site and people’s houses have fallen, Nepal is intact and our hope is still alive,” he said.

Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly Subas Nembang underscored the need of promotional activities to attract a large number of tourists from foreign countries. “Nepal is said to be one of the best tourism destinations in the world. But the arrivals of the tourists do not reflect as much as it seems in the world. Hence, we need to think about the strategies to increase the number of tourists,” he said.

Nembang also urged the stakeholders to pay heed to maintain Nepali identity while reconstructing the destroyed structures and heritage sites. He said that the guests, who attend the Donors’ Conference on June 25, are to be taken to Pokhara and Lumbini along with other tourism sites instead of showing some destroyed structures in Kathmandu alone. Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat urged the stakeholders not to worry about budget for the reconstruction. “We are not in short of development budget, hence, we need to just focus on proper development plan. We must not worry about where to begin the development activities. The donors are ready for the necessary financial aid. Hence, the Donors’ Conference will be a milestone to promote tourism sector.”

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Kripasur Sherpa said, “We should introduce attractive package for many tourists and for their long stay in the country.” He also pledged necessary relief to the tourism entrepreneurs.

Nepal Tourism Recovery Action Plan was presented for the revival of tourism in the country on the occasion.

Mohan Krishna Sapkota, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, said that they would go ahead as per the work plan prepared by the state.

Ramesh Dhamala, Chairperson of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), urged the state officials for free visa and deduction on the charges for tourists at various religious and geographical sites. Similarly, former TAAN chairperson Suman Pandey said that they were urging various donor agencies for financial support for the reconstruction of sites with religious and historical significance.

Ang Tsering Sherpa, Chairperson of Nepal Mountaineering Association, and Ganesh Bhattarai, Chairperson of Pokhara Tourism Rehabilitation Committee, among other lawmakers had expressed their views about tourism development in the country.