Tourism always figures when the talk hovers around the economy and employment generation opportunities. The focus has grown with the decision to mark the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 and the expectation of a million tourist arrivals. It is, indeed, an ambitious venture considering the slow pace of tourism infrastructure development in the past decades. The 1998 experience has shown that given the political will, right government policies and concerted efforts of the private sector, the flow of tourists to Nepal can see a dramatic rise, more than the 500,000 peak that was achieved then. But, the crux of the matter is that more is discussed and very little implemented in terms of making Nepal tourist-friendly in every respect. Nepal has all that makes it a prime destination for every category of travellers. Be it any type of tourism product, the country can boast of them. The cultural and natural heritage leave no room for any visitor to be disappointed but that alone is not enough when the convenience and accessibility of this destination is concerned.

The relations that subsist between Nepal and its southern and northern neighbours are more people-to-people, with the foundation laid tens of centuries back. The flow of tourists to Nepal for various purposes from the two countries has continued but the volume is still much less than the full potential. Hence, to cash in on the tourism potential of Nepal is not difficult with adequate marketing endeavours, capacity building, developing new tourism products, and above all a streamlined approach to welcoming the tourists starting right from the entry points especially the only international airport in Kathmandu. Now, not even two years remain for what has been dubbed as a mega-event to attract a million guests. A study of the requirements needed for being host to that number of tourists reveals that there are areas like accommodation, air links with tourist-generating markets, air seats, domestic transportation system and allied back-ups that are not up to the mark.

In this context, an interaction was organised recently to discuss the possibilities of tourism promotion between Nepal and China. As highlighted by the Chinese ambassador, three million Chinese tourists visit Tibet every year and some of them could be attracted to Nepal. But, for this there is a lack of aggressive marketing on the part of Nepal coupled with inadequate flights between the two countries. There are other tourism related areas that need greater attention if more Chinese tourists, who have become big spenders and globe trotters in a big way, or for that matter visitors from any country, are to come to Nepal with a more than average stay. China has put Nepal on the list of its approved destinations for Chinese tourists. The talk of Tourism Minister Hisila Yami to make Nepal the tourism centre of Asia will be hollow if the relevant brickwork is not undertaken in a concrete, coordinated and sustainable manner. As the private sector has been the basis for tourism development in the country since the beginning, it has to be given greater leverage and incentives to pour more investment into the sector that can deliver huge benefits to the country.