Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has revealed that a new tourism policy is nearing completion.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Minister Pandey stated, "Since the adoption of the federal structure, Nepal has lacked a new tourism policy. The draft is now in its final stages, and consultations are underway with stakeholders."

He further revealed that preparations are also being made to draft a Tourism Act to complement the new policy. The ministry is planning to declare 2025–2035 as the "Visit Nepal Decade" to boost tourism.

"A thematic committee within the ministry has convened its second meeting on the initiative. Discussions have focused on transforming the tourism sector, exploring its potential, generating employment, and increasing its contribution to the national economy," the minister noted.

Highlighting the ministry’s commitment to policy reform, Pandey acknowledged that tangible results would take time.

Additionally, he shared updates on two bills currently with the Council of Ministers. These bills aim to split the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two entities: a service provider and a regulatory body.

The tourism minister also addressed challenges faced by Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC). He mentioned ongoing efforts to operate seven Twin Otter aircraft across all seven provinces. Currently, the national flag carrier is operating flights in all provinces using a single Twin Otter plane. -- RSS