Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel (Ganes) has said that the government will revise decades-old laws and regulations related to the tourism sector to develop Nepal as a more tourism-friendly destination.
Addressing the ‘Hospitality Dialogue’ organised by the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) at Hotel Himalaya on Monday as the chief guest, Minister Paudel said the government had accorded high priority to policy reforms for the long-term development of Nepal’s tourism sector. He said outdated laws and regulations would be reviewed and amended to create a more conducive environment for tourism businesses, investment, and the overall development of the hospitality industry.
Focus on Airports, Air Connectivity, and Tourism Infrastructure
Minister Paudel said the government was working to upgrade international airports, expand air connectivity, and develop road networks linking destinations known for their Himalayan beauty. According to him, improvements in air services and tourism infrastructure would help extend tourists’ length of stay and enhance their overall experience in Nepal. He said the government was committed to good governance, economic prosperity, and private-sector-friendly policies, urging domestic and foreign investors to invest confidently in Nepal’s travel sector.
Minister Paudel emphasised that the sustainable development of the travel industry was possible only through strong cooperation between the government and the private sector. He also assured that the government would continue to give importance to private-sector suggestions and participation from the policy formulation stage through implementation.
Hotel Industry a Key Pillar of National Economy
Acting President of the Hotel Association Nepal, Prabin Bahadur Pandey, said the hotel industry was not merely a business sector but also an important pillar of the national economy. He highlighted the sector’s contribution to employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, protection of private investment, and the overall promotion of Nepal’s hotel and tourism industries.
Pandey said Nepal’s tourism industry was currently at a crucial juncture, facing both significant opportunities and challenges. He noted that international competition was intensifying, while tourist preferences, service technologies, and investment patterns were changing rapidly. In such a situation, he stressed the need to prioritise policy stability, an investment-friendly environment, quality infrastructure, effective air connectivity, modern tourism management, and business-friendly legal structures.
Tourism Department Pledges Business-Friendly Administration
Director General of the Department of Tourism Ram Krishna Lamichhane said the Department was working to make tourism administration more business-friendly. He expressed commitment to simplifying and streamlining administrative procedures related to the hotel industry and making them more efficient and effective. Lamichhane also said cooperation with the private sector would be further strengthened to support the development of the tourism industry.
Private Sector Calls for Policy Reform and Investment Facilitation
General Secretary of the Hotel Association Nepal Sajan Shakya expressed confidence that the current government would provide the necessary support for the development of the tourism and hotel industries. He said cooperation between the government and private sector should be further strengthened and emphasised that policy reforms, investment promotion, and the creation of a business-friendly environment were essential to address the challenges facing the hotel industry.
Hotel Entrepreneurs Raise Industry Concerns
The dialogue was attended by owners, chief executive officers, managers, and provincial presidents of the Hotel Association Nepal representing four- and five-star hotels across the country. Participating entrepreneurs presented various policy, legal, and practical challenges faced during hotel operations. They also provided suggestions on enhancing the competitiveness of Nepal’s travel industry, protecting investment, facilitating customs procedures for destination weddings, reforming luxury taxes and fee structures, expanding air connectivity, developing skilled human resources, improving infrastructure, strengthening international travel promotion, and enhancing collaboration with the private sector.
Government and Private Sector Hold Open Discussion on Tourism Development
The programme featured an open and constructive discussion between the government and private sector on policy reforms related to the hotel industry, travel promotion, the creation of an investment-friendly environment, and solutions to common challenges facing the sector.
Participants expressed the belief that regular dialogue between the government and private sector would make the travel policymaking process more effective and contribute significantly to the sustainable development and international competitiveness of Nepal’s tourism industry. The Hotel Association Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening Nepal’s travel and hospitality industries through continuous dialogue, cooperation, and partnership between the government and private sector.
