Nepal’s Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Dr. Binod Prakash Singh, has expressed confidence that Nepal will soon be removed from the European Union (EU) aviation safety blacklist. Speaking at the 60th-anniversary celebration of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), he stated that the bill to separate the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into regulatory and service-providing bodies is expected to pass in parliament soon, fulfilling a key EU requirement for removal from the safety list.
The EU placed Nepal on its aviation safety list in 2013 due to serious security concerns. While the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) removed Nepal from its Significant Safety Concerns (SSC) category in 2017 after safety improvements, the EU listing remains in place. Stakeholders believe Nepal’s recent enhancements in aviation safety measures will help it get delisted soon.
During the event, Secretary Singh highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism development for Nepal’s economic growth and job creation. He pointed out that despite the potential benefits, the tourism sector has been hindered by policy constraints and structural weaknesses, which have significantly slowed its growth. Singh emphasized that for the tourism industry to thrive, these challenges must be addressed through better policy frameworks and structural reforms to support long-term sustainability.
Former Tourism Secretary, Dipendra Purush Dhakal, also underscored the critical role of Nepal’s removal from the EU’s tourism blacklist for the country’s tourism development. He explained that this move would significantly enhance Nepal’s global standing as a travel destination. Dhakal also emphasized the importance of improving operational efficiency at key international airports, such as Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport, to ensure better air connectivity. Strengthening these air routes would further facilitate tourism growth by making it easier for international tourists to access popular destinations in Nepal.
NATTA President Kumar Mani Thapaliya has stressed the need for immediate policy and structural reforms to enhance the tourism industry. He highlighted that the current state of the sector demands a thorough reorganization to improve its growth potential. Thapaliya called on both the government and private stakeholders to urgently address the gaps in the tourism framework, which would allow for more sustainable and dynamic development of the industry. His statement pointed to the critical importance of adapting to new trends and challenges to ensure the tourism remains competitive in the global market.
In addition, other key industry figures, such as former NATTA Executive Chief Dr. Hari Sharma and former NATTA Presidents’ Council Coordinator Bhola Bikram Thapa, joined in the call for change. They underscored the need for closer cooperation between the government and private enterprises to effectively promote tourism. Both Sharma and Thapa emphasized that fostering a collaborative approach could lead to stronger policy decisions and increased investment, which would have a significant positive impact on the tourism sector. Their combined efforts aim to create a more robust framework that can better support the growing tourism potential.
Founded in 1966, the NATTA has been instrumental in the growth and development of Nepal’s tourism industry. With more than 1,100 member organizations, NATTA has played a crucial role in shaping tourism policies, both at the national and international levels. The association has worked tirelessly to institutionalize Nepal’s tourism sector, advocating for its formal recognition and ensuring the sector’s growth through various initiatives.
In addition to its domestic contributions, NATTA has actively participated in international tourism fairs and events, promoting Nepal as a prime travel destination to global audiences. Through these efforts, it has helped to raise Nepal’s profile in the global tourism market. NATTA continues to collaborate closely with the government, pushing for the implementation of effective tourism policies and strategies to further strengthen the country’s tourism landscape, ensuring its continued success and sustainability in the international arena.
