The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Madhesh Province has urged the provincial government to strengthen tourism promotion, protect private-sector investment, ensure policy continuity and adopt a more professional approach to monitoring tourism businesses.
The association said the tourism industry is one of the key foundations of Madhesh Province’s economic prosperity and emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between the government and private sector to develop the province as a competitive tourism destination.
Private Sector Playing Active Role in Tourism Promotion
According to NATTA Madhesh Province, hotel and tourism entrepreneurs have been continuously working to promote the province’s tourism potential through major promotional programs and initiatives aimed at increasing Madhesh’s visibility at both national and international levels.
The association said its involvement in tourism promotion has never been limited to commercial interests. It has actively supported national and provincial tourism campaigns, including Visit 2020, Visit Madhesh and “Ghumau Madhesh–Bujhau Madhesh”, which were launched with the broader objectives of strengthening the province’s identity, tourism sector and economic development.
Major Tourism Initiatives Organized by Private Sector
NATTA Madhesh Province highlighted several major programs organized through its coordination and the active participation of the private sector. Madhesh Conclave and Madhesh Tourism Meet provided a platform for discussions on the province’s tourism potential, policy reforms and investment opportunities. The programs helped bring tourism stakeholders and potential investors together for broader discussions on developing Madhesh as a tourism destination.
Similarly, the Industrial and Religious Tourism Festival sought to connect major religious and natural attractions, including Janakpurdham, Gadhimai and Parsa National Park, with industrial and tourism activities through innovative promotional initiatives. The Madhesh Travel Mart was another major initiative focused on strengthening cross-border tourism. The program facilitated business-to-business (B2B) connections with Indian and other international tour operators, with the objective of increasing tourist arrivals and expanding Madhesh’s presence in international tourism markets.
Calls for Greater Government-Private Sector Cooperation
NATTA Madhesh said the results of these initiatives have started to demonstrate positive developments in the province’s tourism sector, particularly in promoting sustainable tourism and creating greater awareness of Madhesh’s tourism potential. The association has also been engaging with provincial authorities to address challenges facing the tourism industry, improve infrastructure and protect investment.
NATTA Madhesh said it has repeatedly held discussions with the Chief Minister, Finance Minister, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, and Minister for Home and Communications to draw attention to tourism-related issues and seek government intervention.
Political Instability Raising Concern
The association, however, expressed concern that frequent changes in the provincial government have negatively affected tourism policies, priorities, promotional activities and budget allocations. According to NATTA Madhesh, repeated changes in government leadership have created uncertainty over tourism-related policies and investment, making it difficult to maintain long-term promotional programs and development initiatives. The association has therefore urged the provincial government to ensure continuity in tourism policies and investment programs regardless of changes in political leadership.
NATTA Objects to Raid-Style Hotel Inspections
NATTA Madhesh Province also expressed strong objection to what it described as raid-style monitoring of hotels by the Home Administration and its subordinate agencies in the province. The association said it fully supports compliance with existing laws, transparency and proper regulation of tourism businesses.
However, it argued that inspections conducted in a manner that creates fear and intimidation could negatively affect the confidence of entrepreneurs and investors. According to NATTA, a healthy tourism industry requires an environment where businesses can operate under clear regulations while government agencies conduct monitoring professionally and respectfully.
Calls for Professional and Business-Friendly Monitoring
The association has called on the provincial government to make the monitoring process dignified, professional, transparent and business-friendly, while ensuring that inspections are conducted with appropriate prior notice wherever legally and practically possible. NATTA emphasized that effective regulation should focus on ensuring compliance and improving service standards rather than creating unnecessary fear among tourism entrepreneurs.
Appeal for Policy Continuity and Investment Protection
NATTA Madhesh Province has urged the provincial government to maintain continuity in tourism promotion policies and protect private-sector investment even when there are changes in government. The association said stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors, consistent tourism policies, improved infrastructure, investment protection and constructive regulation are essential for unlocking Madhesh’s tourism potential. It further stressed that Madhesh has significant religious, cultural, natural and cross-border tourism potential, but realizing that potential will require stable policies, sustained investment, coordinated promotion and a supportive business environment.
