Apropos of the fine interview “I heard talks of a target of one million tourists over 40 years ago” (THT, Perspectives, October 30, Page 5), the one and only real pioneer and entrepreneur, my idol, speaks like a true professional.

The cry for one million tourists has become jaded. Yet, it is too deep in the dark tunnel to see the light of the day in 2017 or 2018 or 2020 unless we manipulate the figure for political gains.

Let the tourism or hydro industry or for that matter any other industries, embrace Mr Prabhakar SJB Rana’s wisdom on foreign investment, development and decentralization and we shall be on the fast road to balanced growth and success.

For 70 years we have been mumbling of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan round trips without casting an eye on a gem of potential places like Nepalgunj or Dhanagadhi or Bardia and scores of others. It is time for us to branch out. But first we need political stability and legal guarantee of our investment and time.

Some of us dare devils who invested in our dream to pioneer tourism in the west are lucky to get away with painful scratches owing to the 10-year-old conflict and its aftermath. We still lost a decade of precious time trying to live our dreams.

Things are not quite bright yet on the political front and industrial security. So, unless there is proper stability one million tourists will remain a pie in the sky.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Destination

It’s a matter of pride and honour for a country like Nepal for the fact that the country has been rated as world’s best value destination for next year, 2017.

Lonely Planet, a renowned travel guide, has rated the Himalayan republic on that position. Nepal is the world’s number one destination when it comes to terms of providing service and value, according to the Best in Travel 2017 list which showcases the top 10 countries, cities, regions and best value destinations for next year.

For a country like ours, it’s also a matter of surprise because just a year before it had to suffer from both the April 25 earthquake and indefinite undeclared Indian economic blockade.

Now it’s time for the government to make most of this because Nepal can become a permanent touristic destination if people involved in tourism business work with solidarity and determination. But we must not be complacent enough.

The Lonely Planet’s decision to list Nepal as one of the best destinations for travel in terms of service and value may be an encouraging sign for the tourism industry.

We need to develop our infrastructure – airports, roads, communication system – and better services and values if we want to attract more and more tourists in the days to come.

We also need to rebuild the cultural heritage, monuments, temples, shrines and give a message to the world community that Nepal is ever ready to welcome foreign guests as we used to do before the earthquake.

Pratik Shrestha, Baneshwor