The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has appointed Ram Krishna Lamichhane, a senior joint secretary and spokesperson of the ministry, as the Director General of the Department of Tourism. The position had remained vacant following the transfer of former Director General Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi earlier this month.
Minister-Level Decision by Prime Minister Sushila Karki
According to sources from Singha Durbar, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who also holds the portfolio of Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, made the appointment through a minister-level decision. The move officially entrusts Lamichhane with leading the department, one of the most vital administrative bodies within the country’s tourism sector.
Lamichhane, recognized for his energy, professionalism, and leadership, is often regarded as one of the ministry’s young, dynamic, and result-oriented officers. His appointment has been widely welcomed by officials who expect him to bring renewed vigor and efficiency to the department’s operations.
Vacancy Created After Regmi’s Transfer
The post of Director General had remained vacant since October 9 (Ashwin 23), when the government reshuffled several joint secretaries. Former Director General Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi was transferred to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and has since been posted at the commission’s Pokhara office.
Following his transfer, the Department of Tourism, a key institution overseeing Nepal’s mountain climbing, trekking, hotel classification, and tourism infrastructure, was temporarily being managed by other senior officials until the new appointment was finalized.
A Prominent Position Among Bureaucrats
The post of Director General of the Department of Tourism is considered one of the most sought-after designations among Nepal’s joint secretaries due to its wide-ranging responsibilities and strategic role in policy implementation.
Lamichhane’s selection reflects both administrative confidence and political trust, as the department plays a critical role in shaping Nepal’s global tourism image, particularly amid government efforts to revive the tourism sector after recent economic challenges.
Lamichhane’s Administrative Experience
Originally from Kaski district, Lamichhane was promoted to Joint Secretary in Chaitra 2079 (March 2023) through internal competition. Before assuming his new position, he headed the Administration and Planning Division at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, where he also served as the official spokesperson.
Over the course of his civil service career, Lamichhane has held several important roles, including:
- Chief of the Tahachal Office, responsible for administrative management and coordination;
- Section Chief at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, where he worked on high-level policy implementation; and
- Division Head at the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, contributing to social development and protection programs.
His broad administrative background across multiple ministries has equipped him with experience in governance, planning, and inter-agency coordination, skills that will be vital for steering Nepal’s tourism development agenda.
Expectations for the Tourism Department
With Nepal’s tourism industry striving to regain momentum post-pandemic, Lamichhane’s leadership comes at a crucial time. The Department of Tourism is currently working on regulatory reforms, sustainable mountain tourism policies, and promotional strategies to attract international visitors ahead of upcoming national campaigns.
Officials within the ministry expressed optimism that, under Lamichhane’s direction, the department will strengthen coordination with provincial and local governments, streamline the climbing permit system, and enhance transparency in tourism services.
Government’s Focus on Efficient Leadership
Prime Minister Karki’s decision to fill the long-vacant position is seen as part of a broader effort to ensure stability and accountability within key tourism institutions. The government aims to boost revenue generation through tourism while maintaining high safety standards, promoting sustainable practices, and protecting the environment in high-altitude destinations. Lamichhane, known for his hands-on management approach, is expected to prioritize administrative modernization and service efficiency within the department.
