Speaking at a program organized by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to mark 34th World Tourism Day here on Friday, Mohan Krishna Sapkota, joint secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), said the government is doing internal homework to dedicate certain river segments for adventure tourism activities.[break]
A few days ago, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) had proposed to the government to dedicate Baireni-Muglin section of Trishuli River for water activities.
“When we submitted the proposal, the government officials had said they were positive toward our demand. We are very happy that the government is formally making announcement to this effect very soon,” Thapa said, adding that the government will dedicate some sections of Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi and Karnali rivers for water activities like rafting.
Once these river sections are dedicated to water activities, officials say the government won´t allow construction of dams in those rivers if they hamper water activities there.
Meanwhile, Nepal marked the 34th International Tourism Day by organizing different programs throughout the country. The day is marked every year on September 27 at the call of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu, Subash Nirola, acting CEO of NTB, expressed commitment to move forward for the betterment of tourism industry. He also said the NTB management will put its focus on effective promotion of tourism and products and services in both domestic and international arena.
On the day, Minister for Agricultural Development Tek Bahadur Thapa, who is also looking after the tourism portfolio, and tourism secretary Sushil Ghimire inaugurated Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Counter and newly structured Help Desk and Information Centre built in NTB premises. Minister Thapa also launched the ´Great Buddhist Trial´ identified by Buddhistcircuits.com. He also unveiled publications like ´Nepal Tourism Year 2011´ and the souvenir ´Gorkha Tourism´.
“Nepal needs to focus on agro tourism and eco tourism for the sustainable development of the tourism industry,” Ramesh Dhamala, president of Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN), said. He also asked the government to do the needful in controlling illegal operation in tourism business.
On the occasion, Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Nepal announced Chitlang village in Makwanput district as ´Village Tourism Destination 2013/14´.
Similarly, NTB appointed Chimmi Sherpa, first Miss Sherpa 2012 and Min Bahadur Serchan - the eldest Nepali to climb Mt Everest - as the goodwill ambassador of Nepali tourism industry. NTB also provided certificate of appreciation and cash prize of Rs 10,000 to its security guard Tulsi Pokharel.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Ghimire underlined the need to increasing tourist spending by introducing innovative tourism products. “Our national flag carrier is not being able to support tourism industry because of aircraft shortage,” he said, adding, “But good thing is that we have already placed order to buy two aircraft for China.” Ghimire also said preparations are underway to place orders for two small aircraft.
He also said the government aims to complete upgradation of Gautam Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa to a regional airport by June, 2017.
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