Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, has announced ambitious plans to promote Nepal’s tourism sector by exploring and developing new tourist destinations. During the discussion on the Appropriation Bill 2081 BS in today’s House of Representatives meeting, Minister Tamang outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Minister Tamang revealed that new tourist destinations, hill stations, and segments of the Great Himalayan Trail have been identified for development. A significant part of this strategy includes the launch of the ‘Trail Based Tourism Programme’ next year, in collaboration with the Swiss government, the Ministry of Tourism, and 29 local levels of Koshi Province.
To improve service facilities for tourists, Minister Tamang shared that there are plans to regulate and enhance hotels, homestays, casinos, and transportation services. Reflecting on the success of bringing in one million tourists in 2023, he announced an increased target of attracting 1.6 million tourists in the coming year.
Focusing on attracting tourists from neighboring countries, China and India, Minister Tamang emphasized that the Nepal Tourism Board will launch a targeted cultural promotion program. This initiative will cater to the specific needs and languages of tourists from these countries. Additionally, the Nepal Tourism Board, in partnership with the Greater Janakpur Area Development Council, is preparing to establish a wedding destination hub.
Minister Tamang declared the Lumbini Development Trust a scheme of national pride, assuring that the work is progressing according to the master plan. Efforts are being made to prevent budget shortages, which have hindered progress in the past.
The ministry has formed a task force to bring Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport into full operation. The task force will implement suggestions from a detailed report to ensure these airports function at maximum capacity. Minister Tamang’s comprehensive plan aims to boost tourism, support local economies, and showcase Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage to the world.
