A crucial discussion and consultative meeting involving key national tourism associations and organizations took place today at the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Secretariat in Maligaon, Kathmandu. The event aimed to review and provide constructive feedback on the draft Tourism Policy 2081 to ensure its alignment with the industry’s evolving needs and aspirations.
The meeting was hosted by TAAN President Sagar Pandey, accompanied by senior executive committee members. It witnessed active participation from the Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents of major tourism associations, including the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), Home Stay Federation of Nepal (HoFEN), Nepal Tourism Vehicle Association (NTVA), Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN), Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF), Tourist Guide Association of Nepal (TURGAN), and Trekking Guide Association of Nepal (TGAN), among others.
Key Suggestions for Policy Refinement
The discussions led to significant recommendations from industry leaders, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and forward-looking policy framework. The major suggestions included:
i. Government’s Role Transformation: The leaders stressed the importance of redefining the government’s role from a regulator to a facilitator and enabler, fostering a more supportive environment for tourism stakeholders.
ii. Tourist-Centric and Business-Friendly Approach: They advocated for a policy that prioritizes tourists’ needs, encourages inclusivity, and creates a business-friendly environment for sustainable growth.
iii. Support for Sub-Sectors and Thematic Areas: The policy must aim to promote and nurture various tourism sub-sectors and thematic areas such as hospitality, transport, trekking, mountaineering, adventure sports, cultural heritage, rural tourism, and eco-tourism, recognizing their individual and collective importance.
iv. Destination Competitiveness: Enhancing Nepal’s global competitiveness as a premier travel destination was identified as a key goal of the policy, ensuring the country remains attractive and accessible to international tourists.
v. Encouraging Innovation: The policy should incentivize innovative ideas, businesses, and activities to drive creativity and diversification within the sector.
vi. Focus on Human Resources: Recognizing that skilled and motivated human resources are the backbone of the tourism industry, the participants emphasized the need for initiatives to train, develop, and retain talent across various disciplines.
The meeting underscored the collective commitment of Nepal’s tourism associations to contribute actively to shaping a robust Tourism Policy 2081. By incorporating these comprehensive suggestions, stakeholders hope to build a policy that addresses current challenges, leverages opportunities and sets the foundation for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global tourism market. The suggestions compiled during this meeting will be submitted to the relevant authorities, marking a collaborative effort toward refining Nepal’s tourism framework for the future.
Source: TAAN
