Despite rising investment in the tourism sector, the number of foreign tourists visiting Nepal has not increased as expected, according to Nepal Tourism Board’s (NTB) Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi.
Speaking at an orientation program jointly organized by the Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association and NTB on Wednesday, Joshi attributed the shortfall in tourist arrivals to the lack of adequate infrastructure.
“We failed to meet our tourism targets due to insufficient infrastructure,” said Joshi. “However, we expect the number of foreign tourists to rise within the next two years, as various infrastructure projects—including road construction—are currently underway across the country.”
Joshi urged the authorities concerned to take responsibility and accelerate infrastructure development. He also emphasized the importance of providing quality services to tourists to enhance Nepal’s appeal as a travel destination.
Also addressing the event, Senior Sub-Inspector Rajeev Bista from the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office called on tourist vehicle drivers to act responsibly.
“Accidents can be reduced if drivers and their helpers take responsibility and follow traffic rules—not just out of fear of the police, but for their own safety,” he said.
Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association Chairperson Bed Raj Bastola expressed hope that the orientation would equip drivers and their assistants with both theoretical and practical knowledge to improve safety, service quality, and conduct toward tourists.
He added that driver assistants should also take equal responsibility during trips.
A total of 92 individuals, including tourist vehicle drivers and their assistants, are participating in the two-day orientation program. -- RSS
