Of all the things, tourism promotion has become the centre of the hype business. It is as if manna comes from tourism. For some it may be true. The government too believes that the economic ills out here can be dealt a blow with more tourists flowing into this land of wonders. It is a good idea as the name and fame of Nepal would spread all around the world. However, it has been mostly words that make the rounds instead of laying concrete foundations in the form of infrastructure and real preparations.

The word has already floated that the Tourism Year 2011 would be the greatest of related events so far. The reason: a million visitors are expected that year. If 1998 saw half that number embracing Nepal in their itinerary, 2011 has been touted to see double that figure. The expectations will be justified if the real groundwork to welcome the million guests is prepared in earnest. Won’t it be a wonder to see tourists dotting the whole landscape of Kathmandu and Pokhara in particular. One has to exude optimism when in that year so many from abroad will come to know the country. Still, the worry factor emerges from the ad hoc fashion that we announce one or the other goal. Let’s hope all good is done so that 2011 becomes a landmark in tourism development, taken for granted by those who matter.