The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) has raised serious concerns regarding the recent disruptions in public transportation across various parts of the country. Strikes, blockades, and interruptions in transportation services have adversely affected not only travelers but also the overall tourism industry in Nepal.
NATTA has specifically highlighted troubling disturbances in tourist transportation services in key destinations, including Nepal’s tourism capital, Pokhara, and several other areas. The halting, blocking, or restriction of tourist vehicles is considered a deeply detrimental act that threatens the viability of the tourism business as a whole.
NATTA Raises Serious Concern Over Public Transport Issues
These disruptions have caused significant inconvenience to both foreign and domestic tourists, making it difficult for them to reach their destinations smoothly. Moreover, such incidents are fostering feelings of fear, insecurity, and frustration among tourists and travelers. NATTA warns that this negative atmosphere sends an unfavorable message to the international tourism market, potentially causing long-term damage to Nepal’s tourism promotion efforts.
Tourism is widely recognized as the backbone of Nepal’s economic prosperity. It sustains thousands of jobs and supports numerous communities across the country. Recognizing this reality, NATTA urges all concerned stakeholders to collectively shoulder the responsibility of nurturing and promoting the tourism sector.
To address these urgent challenges, NATTA has called on the Government of Nepal, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, provincial governments, security agencies, and local authorities, to coordinate effectively and find immediate solutions to the ongoing transportation blockades and disruptions.
Furthermore, NATTA appeals to all relevant bodies to adopt a positive approach toward tourism by ensuring the uninterrupted and safe operation of tourist vehicles. The uninterrupted functioning of tourist transport services is critical not only for the comfort and safety of visitors but also for preserving the livelihoods of thousands of workers who depend on tourism either directly or indirectly.
NATTA reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with all tourism-related stakeholders to maintain a secure and accessible environment for tourism in Nepal. Only through shared responsibility and coordinated action can the country safeguard its reputation as a welcoming destination and sustain the growth and prosperity of its tourism sector.
