Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has announced the government’s commitment to developing tourism policies and laws that align with the current needs. Speaking at the third general assembly and second convention of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Federation Lumbini Province held in Nepalgunj, Banke, Minister Pandey highlighted the formation of a study committee to thoroughly review and suggest necessary reforms in tourism policies within three months.
“The study committee is tasked with providing a report on necessary policy amendments within three months,” said Minister Pandey. “We are also working towards swiftly enacting a new Tourism Act that meets the demands of the time.”
Minister Pandey emphasized the special potential of Lumbini Province in the tourism sector, assuring that the government would focus on the development of tourism and the hotel industry in the region.
“We, as politicians, fulfill our political duties, and I urge hotel and tourism entrepreneurs to uphold their sacred profession with integrity and dedication,” he said. “By showcasing our unique culture and marketing our natural beauty, the hotel and tourism sector will thrive.”
He also noted the significant investment in Nepal’s tourism sector and the potential to attract millions of tourists, committing the government to work towards this goal. Minister Pandey mentioned that the current coalition between the Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML) aims to ensure political stability to facilitate these developments.
Bhaskar Kafle, President of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Federation Lumbini Province, stated that approximately 11,000 hotel entrepreneurs in the province have invested around Rs 200 billion, contributing nearly Rs 400 million annually in taxes. Federation General Secretary Dadhiram Bhandari informed that the convention, attended by 200 representatives from 12 districts of Lumbini Province, will elect new leadership.
