The Government of Nepal has allocated a budget of NPR 13.28 billion for the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation for the fiscal year 2082/83. The budget, presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel during the joint session of the Federal Parliament on Thursday, includes several key infrastructure projects and tourism promotion initiatives, particularly focusing on Gandaki Province.
Major Infrastructure and Tourism Initiatives
The government has announced plans to boost tourism by launching a new trekking route connecting Shuklaphanta and Khaptad. This initiative aims to attract more adventure seekers and nature lovers to explore these pristine regions. Additionally, the development of the Daiji-Chela Industrial Area, in partnership with the private sector and the Tourism Board, is expected to create better infrastructure and facilities that will support and enhance tourism growth in the area.
In Gandaki Province, significant projects include developing Pokhara International Airport as a premier tourism hub. The budget also mentions facilitating private sector involvement in constructing a cable car from Birethanti to Muktinath, aimed at boosting tourism accessibility.
Despite Pokhara Airport currently lacking regular international flights, local tourism operators welcome the government’s commitment to developing it as a tourism hub. However, they urge the government to address the need for consistent international flights as part of this development. The government is expected to arrange aircraft for Nepal Airlines Corporation to initiate international services, with further facilitation for private sector involvement.
Tourism Branding and Promotion
The government has announced plans to brand Nepal as a safe and attractive tourist destination by improving infrastructure, expanding quality services, and enhancing marketing efforts. Special tourism promotion packages will target visitors from neighboring countries, aiming to attract more tourists to Nepal’s diverse offerings.
Efforts will focus on adventure tourism, cultural and religious tourism, film tourism, health tourism, and sports tourism. Service centers will be established at key entry points for land-based tourists, while investment incentives will be provided to attract private sector involvement in tourism infrastructure.
Development of Trekking Routes and Cultural Heritage Conservation
The budget emphasizes the development of trekking routes and safe adventure tourism trails in high mountain and hill areas. Trekking routes will be established in Shuklaphanta, Khaptad, Bardiya, Rara, Lumbini, Muktinath, Sauraha, Gosainkunda, Janakpur Dham, Kalinchowk, Koshi Tappu, Sagarmatha, Kachankawal, and Pathivara, among others. Reliable safety and emergency rescue services will be ensured for mountain climbers and trekkers.
For the preservation of Nepal’s rich history and archaeology, the government has allocated funds for the digital archiving of historically and archaeologically important records. A Panini Knowledge Park will be constructed in Arghakhanchi’s Panena in memory of Panini, the ancient Sanskrit grammarian.
Special Provisions for Hotels, Resorts, and Airports
Hotels and resorts will be treated as productive industries, benefiting from exemptions on income tax and electricity duties. Legal provisions will also be made to encourage workers in hotels, restaurants, and jungle safaris through service charges.
Regarding airports, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa will be developed with necessary facilities to offer affordable services to tourists and migrant workers. Special incentives will be provided for cargo services from the airport. Moreover, airlines operating international flights will receive additional incentives to increase flight frequencies from Bhairahawa and Pokhara.
The government also plans to advance construction of Nijgadh Airport and establish a regional airport in Surkhet, completing preparatory work for the latter in the upcoming fiscal year.
Lumbini and Religious Tourism Development
A comprehensive Lumbini Master Plan will be implemented to protect, develop, and promote the Lumbini area as a major religious and cultural tourism destination. Infrastructure development will also be carried out at key religious sites such as the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini and the Hindu pilgrimage site of Swargadwari in Pyuthan.
Tourism promotion programs, conducted in partnership with the private sector and tourism boards, will include a pilgrimage trek from Lumbini to Muktinath. Additionally, infrastructure development will be prioritized for Karnali’s religious, cultural, and tourism destinations, with rafting and other adventure tourism activities encouraged along the Karnali and Bheri rivers.
Highlights of the FY 2082/83 Budget for the Tourism Sector
| Initiatives | Details |
| Daiji-Chela Industrial Area | Construction to proceed in collaboration with the private sector and Tourism Board. |
| Shuklaphanta–Khaptad Trekking Route | New trekking route to promote ecotourism and cultural exploration. |
| Pokhara International Airport | To be developed as a tourism hub; however, lack of direct flights remains a concern. |
| Birethanti–Muktinath Cable Car Project | Private sector to be facilitated for development. |
| Lumbini Master Plan | Implementation of a comprehensive development plan for the sacred site. |
| Swargadwari Infrastructure Development | Heritage site in Pyuthan to be promoted as a religious tourism destination. |
| Lumbini–Muktinath Trekking Route | Trail to connect Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage centers. |
| Bardiya–Rara Tourism Trail | New trekking route to be promoted across Lumbini and Karnali provinces. |
| Airline Incentives | Carriers operating from Bhairahwa and Pokhara to receive tax breaks and promotional benefits. |
| Rara–Bardiya Ecotrail | Trekking route through Karnali’s natural landmarks. |
| River-Based Tourism Activities | Rafting and adventure sports on Karnali and Bheri rivers encouraged. |
| Mid-Hill Highway Tourism Nodes | Scenic areas along Pushpalal Highway to see tourism infrastructure growth. |
| Surkhet Regional Airport | Preparatory works to begin for airport construction. |
| Digital Archiving | Historical and archaeological documents to be digitized. |
| Panini Knowledge Park in Arghakhanchi | Built in honor of Panini, the father of Sanskrit grammar. |
| Tourism Branding | Nepal to be globally positioned as a “safe and attractive tourist destination”. |
| Tourism Board–Private Sector Collaboration | Joint execution of tourism promotion programs. |
| VAT Amnesty for Aviation | Interest and fines waived for aviation companies clearing pending VAT. |
| Hotel & Resort Income Tax Concessions | Recognized as production industries for tax purposes. |
| Boutique Airport Development at TIA | Tribhuvan International Airport to be transformed for premium air services. |
| Nijgadh Airport Development | Development plans to progress with environmental and strategic support. |
| Cable Car Promotion | Government to incentivize cable car projects in mountainous regions. |
