KATHMANDU, JUNE 28
Tourism entrepreneurs in Nepalgunj have urged the government to initiate direct flights between Nepalgunj and New Delhi, saying the air link is crucial to boosting tourist arrivals and unlocking the tourism potential of western Nepal.
The demand was raised during a meeting with Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel, who visited Nepalgunj Airport for an inspection.
The entrepreneurs said direct connectivity with the Indian capital would make western Nepal more accessible to international visitors and help strengthen the region's tourism industry.
They also expressed concern over the suspension of Nepalgunj–Pokhara flights, saying the discontinuation has adversely affected tourism and domestic connectivity. In addition, they called on the government to end the discriminatory airfare policy imposed on foreign tourists on domestic flights.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Paudel said the government is committed to promoting Nepal's tourism sector and pledged to introduce policy reforms to support the industry's growth as a major source of foreign exchange earnings.
During the meeting, tourism entrepreneurs, including NATTA Banke Chapter founding president Shriram Sigdel, chapter president Dilliraj Regmi and tourism entrepreneur Devananda Aryal, briefed the minister on the opportunities and challenges facing tourism in western Nepal.