In a significant move to promote cultural tourism, the thematic committee meeting of the Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation sector has decided to establish a mechanism for developing a concept focused on the civilizations of the Karnali, Gandaki, and Koshi rivers. The meeting, held at Thakurbaba in Bardiya and chaired by Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, outlined plans to formulate an action plan within a month.
Formation of Development Mechanism
The newly formed mechanism will have representatives from all three levels of government and will be spearheaded by four key individuals: a tourism expert from the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), a cultural expert, the head of the Architecture Department at the Institute of Engineering Studies, and one representative from private and corporate investors. This team will collaborate to create a comprehensive action plan for promoting cultural tourism.
Sustainable Development Guidelines for Monasteries and Temples
The committee also discussed sustainable building practices for religious sites, including monasteries and temples across Nepal. It was decided that local construction materials such as wood and clay will be prioritized over iron, cement, concrete, and zinc sheets, ensuring that these structures reflect the region’s cultural heritage and local building traditions. Additionally, the committee emphasized the importance of involving local communities in the construction process by ensuring their minimum participatory contribution.
Upcoming Cultural and Food Festival
To further bolster cultural tourism, the meeting decided to organize a food and cultural festival in the upcoming month of Falgun. This event will be a joint initiative involving municipalities, provinces, local business associations, and communities connected to major border points with India. Invitations will also be extended to nearby districts and organizations from the Indian side to participate in this celebration of culture and cuisine.
Heritage Trip and Cultural Clubs for Youth
The meeting also approved the organization of a week-long heritage trip in Falgun, targeting young members of Legislative Assemblies (under 40 years old) from provinces bordering India and China. The event will aim to foster cultural understanding and collaboration. As part of the initiative, two schools from each province will be selected to establish cultural and tourism clubs, providing students with opportunities to engage in cultural preservation and tourism promotion activities.
Trekking Trail Standards and Tourism Decade Action Plan
In line with promoting tourism infrastructure, the committee agreed that each province would adopt the Trekking Trail Construction Standards, 2081. Additionally, the meeting considered the Tourism Decade Action Plan, which aims to guide the development of tourism over the next ten years, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant tourism industry in Nepal.