The National Assembly has unanimously decided to forward the “Tourism Bill, 2081” to the Legislative Management Committee for detailed clause-wise discussion. The decision was made during Sunday’s meeting of the upper house of the Federal Parliament.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, tabled the proposal to send the bill for further deliberation, which was accepted without objection by the Assembly members. The bill, once passed, is expected to introduce comprehensive reforms and modernizations to Nepal’s travel sector, addressing long-standing gaps in policy, safety, infrastructure, and regulation.
Legislative Procedure Underway
The forwarding of the bill to the committee marks a crucial procedural step, enabling lawmakers to scrutinize individual provisions in depth. The Legislative Management Committee will now conduct a detailed analysis of the bill’s contents, seek expert input, and recommend any necessary amendments before it is brought back to the full house for further discussion and eventual approval.
Prime Minister’s Office Communication Read
Before the discussion on the bill, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal informed the Assembly of a letter received from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers regarding the allocation of responsibilities among the cabinet members. The contents of the letter were formally presented to the assembly for record.
Next Assembly Meeting Scheduled
The National Assembly is set to reconvene on Wednesday, Shrawan 14 (July 30) at 1:15 PM. During the next session, it is expected that discussions will continue on other pending legislative matters, and updates on the committee’s work on the Tourism Bill may also be shared if progress has been made.
Importance of the Tourism Bill
The Tourism Bill, 2081 is being introduced at a time when Nepal is striving to revive and expand its tourism industry post-COVID and in light of growing global competition. It aims to enhance legal clarity, strengthen institutional frameworks, promote sustainable tourism, and protect the rights and safety of tourists and stakeholders alike.
Stakeholders in the travel sector have welcomed the bill’s introduction, expressing hope that the legal reforms will lead to improved infrastructure, better regulation of tourism businesses, and greater international promotion of Nepal as a top travel destination. The government has been emphasizing tourism as a key pillar of national economic growth, with the new bill seen as an essential part of its broader economic strategy.
