Tourism experts and stakeholders have emphasized the need for policy and structural reforms, along with the introduction of special packages, to revitalize Nepal’s tourism sector. They believe such measures could help create employment and strengthen the national economy.
Speaking at a policy conclave organized in Kathmandu on Friday to mark the 8th anniversary of IHM College, participants highlighted the importance of prolonging the stay of foreign tourists by promoting new travel destinations across Nepal.
Dr Ramhari Lamichhane, a tourism expert and former member secretary of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), said that enhancing the quality of hospitality services is key to ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors. He also suggested that traditional tourism practices could be integrated into new travel packages to attract more tourists.
Dr Lamichhane further stressed the importance of generating employment within the country through tourism and production-related activities.
CB Adhikari, a tourism journalist with RSS, pointed out that coordinated policy reforms by the government and tourism-related bodies would help increase tourist arrivals. He also emphasized the importance of developing tourism infrastructure and noted that public-private partnerships could play a vital role in sustainable tourism growth.
Surach Prasain, Chief Executive of Hospitality Guides, said the programme aimed to build a shared understanding on how travel and hospitality priorities could be reflected in the upcoming national budget.
Mahesh Phuyal, Director General of Ramada Encore Hotel, underscored the value of investing in hospitality and workforce development to attract more foreign tourists.
Balram Pathak, Director General of Royal Tulip Kathmandu Hotel, also stressed the need for producing skilled manpower to support the growth of the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Other hospitality experts, including Rabindra Singh and Pranisha Dhungel, called for urgent attention to the challenges facing the hospitality sector, urging all stakeholders to work together.
The conclave also discussed key issues such as high airfares, inadequate road infrastructure, lack of destination promotion, the need to link hospitality schools with the tourism industry, and the importance of allocating sufficient budget for tourism development. -- RSS
