Newly appointed Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has announced plans to update the existing tourism policy to better align with contemporary needs and enhance the development of the tourism sector. During his inaugural speech at the ministry today, Minister Pandey expressed his commitment to unveiling the potential of the tourism sector through a new policy framework aimed at attracting more tourists with well-planned programs.
Minister Pandey stated, “The ministry will conduct a thorough review of the current tourism policy to determine how we can effectively develop Nepal’s tourism sector. A task force led by the ministry’s Joint Secretary has been formed today, which will undertake a detailed study. I will personally ensure that the policy is formulated with meticulous attention.”
He emphasized the need to proceed with a strategic action plan guided by the revised tourism policy. Minister Pandey noted that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability, the tourism sector has returned to its previous state and is on track to progress towards political stability by 2084 B.S. During this period, the focus will be on tourism development.
Minister Pandey also committed to implementing the period from 2023 to 2032 as the “Visit Decade” to attract the maximum number of tourists. He expressed confidence in achieving the ministry’s goals with the support of the permanent government mechanism.
Highlighting the importance of culture, Minister Pandey said, “Culture is the soul of the nation. We must actively engage in its preservation and development.” He also stressed the need for honesty and dedication in working for the people, transcending party, family, and regional interests.
Task Force for Policy Revision
To modernize the tourism policy, a task force chaired by Joint Secretary Hemraj Tamang has been formed. This task force will prepare a report within three months and submit it to the ministry. Minister Pandey signed the decision to form the task force as his first official act, aiming to update the Tourism Policy of 2008.
The task force will focus on formulating a tourism policy that promotes and strengthens the tourism sector, with a report due in three months. Minister Pandey expressed confidence in moving forward strategically for the development and promotion of tourism, highlighting the importance of efficient operations at international airports and the revitalization of Nepal Airlines.
During the event, Secretary Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey stated that the ministry is working on updating the Tourism Act to keep it relevant in the federal structure. Joint Secretary Hemraj Tamang provided a brief overview of the ministry’s departments and activities.
Nepal’s 41st Tourism Minister
Badri Prasad Pandey of the Nepali Congress has become the country’s 41st Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. According to the ministry’s records, Dr. Harka Gurung was appointed as the State Minister for Tourism in 1977 A.D. Since then, Nepal has seen 41 ministers in this role.
Born in 1974 A.D. in Bajura to parents Bishnu Shobha Pandey and Bishnudatta Pandey, Pandey was directly elected as a Member of Parliament from Bajura Constituency No. 1 in the 2022 general election. He previously served as a Constituent Assembly member in 2013 and a member of the Legislature-Parliament in 2015. Pandey was also a National Assembly member in 2017.
Active in politics since 1986 A.D., Pandey held various positions within the Nepali Congress, including Bajura President of the Nepal Student Union in 1993 A.D., Central Member in 1999 A.D., Deputy General Secretary in 2000 A.D., and General Secretary in 2005 A.D. In 2009, he became a Central Member of the Nepali Congress and led the party’s Central Labor Department.
Pandey holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Tribhuvan University and has expertise and experience in journalism and training. His articles have been published in national newspapers.
