skylinetreks
19th June 2006, 06:33 AM
Govt for reviving tourism
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has assured that the government would facilitate Nepalese tourism industry that has passed through unfavourable times due to the violent conflict in the past few years. "The tourism industry is highly potential in Nepal because of her unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage," said Minister Gyawali while speaking as the chief guest at a function organised to mark the TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal) Day here today. Established 28 years ago, TAAN is an umbrella organisation of more than 500 registered trekking agencies in Nepal.Expressing firm commitment to address the problems the tourism industry is facing, he said that the immediate measures would be taken for the revival of the ailing tourism. "Necessary steps will be taken to discourage illegal operations in the trekking sector," he said. Showing his serious concern over piling up of garbage and trash on Mt. Everest, he called for the tourism entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to pay urgent attention on the issue. He said that the government was ready to review laws and by-laws as per the entrepreneurs' demand. "As per the demand of TAAN, the bank guarantee issue will be settled," he assured.Referring to the 25-point code of conduct signed by the government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), he expressed the hope that durable peace would be established in the country and more tourists would visit. He called upon the media to portray Nepal as a destination in a positive light, as the country was getting rid of the decade-old violent insurgency through the ongoing peace process. He also hoped that Nepal's neighbours and other friendly nations would extend support and cooperation for the development of the country.Similarly, parliamentarian Jagannath Khatiwada said that the multi-faceted tourism industry would flourish only in a democratic system. "It is the democratic set-up that alone ensures peace." He asked the government to take up due steps to probe corruption and irregularities associated with Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and help address other issues related to the country's tourism industry.He was of the opinion that tourism should be linked with the efforts of poverty reduction in rural areas.Lauding the role of tourism entrepreneurs in the pro-democracy movement, he vowed that he would raise voices in favour of the tourism sector in the parliament. He also called for the tourism entrepreneurs to help establish a tourism-lobbying desk at the parliament. Speaking from the chair, TAAN's President Narendra B.C. demanded that the provision of TRC (Trekking Registration Certificate) be enforced through TAAN. He also asked the government to take the initiative to extend the period of the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP). As a pilot programme, TRPAP has been under implementation in 48 Village Development Committees of six districts since 2001.Earlier, renowned development expert Dr. Hark Gurung stressed the need to decentralise tourism policies in the changed context. Citing an example of Switzerland in the promotion of tourism, Dr. Gurung, who is also the first tourism minister of Nepal, said that necessary focus should be laid on encouraging the private sector and the development of supra-structure. Presenting data related to tourist arrivals during the past few years, he pointed out the need to diversify tourism in the country.Likewise, tourism expert and former Tourism Secretary Dipendra Purush Dhakal emphasised the need to give continuity to TRPAP, as it has brought about desired changes in the living standard and lifestyle of the rural people. Dhakal also suggested that an international tourism event should be announced immediately so as to highlight Nepal's potential in adventure sports. He also emphasised the need to invite more foreign tour operators and journalists in Nepal to familiarise them with the country's ground realities. "Only such familiarisation trips will help give a boost to our declining tourism industry," he said.Sitaram Sapkota, General Secretary of TAAN, urged the government to introduce TRC and demanded that the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) be restructured. Similarly, he asked the government to form a high-level probe commission to look into corruption within NMA. Meanwhile, TAAN felicitated the team of Ghumgham, a Kantipur TV programme, and journalist of Nepal Samacharpatra Sushil Bhattarai for their contribution to the promotion of tourism. Similarly, American citizen Dr. Brian Cobb was also honoured for his active role in the treatment of those wounded during the pro-democracy movement. On the occasion, TAAN's secretary Ganesh Neupane, treasurer Mohan Lamsal and executive member Chandra Niraula also expressed their views.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has assured that the government would facilitate Nepalese tourism industry that has passed through unfavourable times due to the violent conflict in the past few years. "The tourism industry is highly potential in Nepal because of her unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage," said Minister Gyawali while speaking as the chief guest at a function organised to mark the TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal) Day here today. Established 28 years ago, TAAN is an umbrella organisation of more than 500 registered trekking agencies in Nepal.Expressing firm commitment to address the problems the tourism industry is facing, he said that the immediate measures would be taken for the revival of the ailing tourism. "Necessary steps will be taken to discourage illegal operations in the trekking sector," he said. Showing his serious concern over piling up of garbage and trash on Mt. Everest, he called for the tourism entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to pay urgent attention on the issue. He said that the government was ready to review laws and by-laws as per the entrepreneurs' demand. "As per the demand of TAAN, the bank guarantee issue will be settled," he assured.Referring to the 25-point code of conduct signed by the government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), he expressed the hope that durable peace would be established in the country and more tourists would visit. He called upon the media to portray Nepal as a destination in a positive light, as the country was getting rid of the decade-old violent insurgency through the ongoing peace process. He also hoped that Nepal's neighbours and other friendly nations would extend support and cooperation for the development of the country.Similarly, parliamentarian Jagannath Khatiwada said that the multi-faceted tourism industry would flourish only in a democratic system. "It is the democratic set-up that alone ensures peace." He asked the government to take up due steps to probe corruption and irregularities associated with Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and help address other issues related to the country's tourism industry.He was of the opinion that tourism should be linked with the efforts of poverty reduction in rural areas.Lauding the role of tourism entrepreneurs in the pro-democracy movement, he vowed that he would raise voices in favour of the tourism sector in the parliament. He also called for the tourism entrepreneurs to help establish a tourism-lobbying desk at the parliament. Speaking from the chair, TAAN's President Narendra B.C. demanded that the provision of TRC (Trekking Registration Certificate) be enforced through TAAN. He also asked the government to take the initiative to extend the period of the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP). As a pilot programme, TRPAP has been under implementation in 48 Village Development Committees of six districts since 2001.Earlier, renowned development expert Dr. Hark Gurung stressed the need to decentralise tourism policies in the changed context. Citing an example of Switzerland in the promotion of tourism, Dr. Gurung, who is also the first tourism minister of Nepal, said that necessary focus should be laid on encouraging the private sector and the development of supra-structure. Presenting data related to tourist arrivals during the past few years, he pointed out the need to diversify tourism in the country.Likewise, tourism expert and former Tourism Secretary Dipendra Purush Dhakal emphasised the need to give continuity to TRPAP, as it has brought about desired changes in the living standard and lifestyle of the rural people. Dhakal also suggested that an international tourism event should be announced immediately so as to highlight Nepal's potential in adventure sports. He also emphasised the need to invite more foreign tour operators and journalists in Nepal to familiarise them with the country's ground realities. "Only such familiarisation trips will help give a boost to our declining tourism industry," he said.Sitaram Sapkota, General Secretary of TAAN, urged the government to introduce TRC and demanded that the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) be restructured. Similarly, he asked the government to form a high-level probe commission to look into corruption within NMA. Meanwhile, TAAN felicitated the team of Ghumgham, a Kantipur TV programme, and journalist of Nepal Samacharpatra Sushil Bhattarai for their contribution to the promotion of tourism. Similarly, American citizen Dr. Brian Cobb was also honoured for his active role in the treatment of those wounded during the pro-democracy movement. On the occasion, TAAN's secretary Ganesh Neupane, treasurer Mohan Lamsal and executive member Chandra Niraula also expressed their views.