Concerned leaders and representatives from long-standing institutions working for the development of Nepal’s tourism sector have expressed serious concerns over the growing environmental pollution, stating it poses a significant threat to the nation’s tourism industry a key source of foreign exchange earnings. They emphasized that environmental conservation has become essential for attracting international tourists.
In a discussion program titled “Impact of Environmental Pollution in the Tourism Sector”, organized today in Kathmandu by the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), speakers highlighted how climate change and pollution are diminishing Nepal’s global image as a pristine tourist destination.
Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, stated that environmental degradation is tarnishing Nepal’s once-beautiful image. “Tourism is one of the few sectors contributing to the green economy. However, air pollution is negatively affecting this sector. The government must introduce policy-level interventions to curb the causes of pollution,” he said. Joshi also stressed that joint efforts from both the public and private sectors are crucial for the sustainable development of tourism.
Thakur Raj Pandey, Senior Vice President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the adverse effects of climate change on the Himalayas. “Melting snow in the mountains is a direct result of climate change. Although Nepal is home to some of the world’s finest tourist destinations, increasing air pollution is deteriorating our image. Collective action is necessary to address this issue,” he stated.
Environmental activist Bhupendra Das, who has long been engaged in air pollution awareness campaigns, provided an overview of the major contributors to air pollution. “Globally, air pollution is becoming a serious issue. Forest fires, waste burning, vehicle emissions, outdated transportation systems, and pollutants from construction sites and factories all contribute to the problem. This has long-term impacts on the tourism industry,” he explained.
Speakers at the event called on all stakeholders, government bodies, private enterprises, and civil society to prioritize environmental protection as an integral component of tourism promotion. They warned that without immediate action to mitigate pollution and adapt to the challenges of climate change, Nepal risks losing its competitive edge as a global travel destination.
