To enhance the capacity for immediate tourist rescue, crisis management, and seamless mobility, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has handed over 14 motorcycles to the Tourist Police. The initiative aims to improve rapid response in remote and busy tourist areas, further strengthening the country’s overall tourism safety infrastructure.
Ceremony Marks Official Handover
The handover ceremony took place at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) headquarters on Thursday, where NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepkaraj Joshi officially handed the keys of the motorcycles to Director General of the Department of Tourism, Ram Krishna Lamichhane. The event was attended by Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, who also serves as the Chairperson of the NTB, along with other senior officials and members of the board.
Emphasis on Tourist Safety as Core to Tourism Development
Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula emphasized that tourist safety is a fundamental pillar of tourism development. “A destination becomes credible only when tourists feel safe. These motorcycles will enhance the reach and response capability of the Tourist Police, enabling them to provide faster and more effective services,” he said. He added that initiatives like this are essential for establishing Nepal as a safe, reliable, and responsible tourism destination.
NTB’s Commitment to Strengthening Tourism Services
CEO Deepkaraj Joshi highlighted the board’s ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure and services across the country. “Empowering the Tourist Police means reinforcing the entire tourism system. These motorcycles will help officers reach remote and congested tourist areas quickly, ensuring prompt assistance in emergencies,” he said.
Tourist Police: Enhancing Emergency Response
Expressing gratitude for the handover, Director General Ram Krishna Lamichhane stated that the motorcycles would make emergency rescue and crisis management more efficient. “This initiative will not only increase tourists’ confidence but also improve Nepal’s overall tourism image,” he said. The ceremony was attended by NTB Vice-Chair Ram Prasad Sapkota, board members Narendra Dev Bhatta and Rajendra Lama, and DSP Krishnaraj Ojha, Chief of the Tourist Police, among others.
Strengthening Nepal’s Tourism Safety Network
In Nepal, the Tourist Police operates as a specialized security agency tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors, providing information, assistance, and emergency rescue services. With the addition of these motorcycles, the Tourist Police are expected to deliver faster, more effective services, particularly in difficult-to-access or high-traffic tourist locations. The initiative reflects Nepal Tourism Board’s commitment to enhancing tourism safety, a critical factor in sustaining the country’s reputation as a secure and attractive destination for domestic and international travelers alike.
