Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, has emphasized the significant role tourism plays in strengthening Nepal’s economy. Speaking at an event organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation on the occasion of the 45th World Tourism Day, Singh, who is currently serving as Acting Prime Minister, lauded the tourism industry’s contributions to the economic sector.
DPM Singh pledged to foster a more favorable environment for the tourism industry, aiming to further boost its contributions to the economy, including increasing its share in Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He stressed that peace is essential for tourism development, noting its critical role in driving socio-economic progress. Singh also highlighted that tourism has the potential to become a driving force behind Nepal’s development, particularly in the fields of adventure tourism, trekking, mountain expeditions, and skydiving.
On a broader note, Singh addressed the current political landscape, stating that the coalition government led by the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) was established to ensure political stability. The government is committed to improving the economic status of the people during its tenure.
At the same event, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, echoed similar sentiments, underscoring Nepal’s abundant potential for tourism development. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in utilizing tourism as a tool for achieving economic prosperity. Pandey also touched on the 2024 World Tourism Day theme, Tourism and Peace, reiterating the need for both climate change mitigation and global peace to enhance the tourism sector.
Pandey further highlighted the necessity of strengthening the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation, through policy reforms and the adoption of commercial market strategies.
Other notable figures who spoke at the event included State Minister for Tourism Arun Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Nepal Tourism Board Vice Chair Ram Prasad Sapkota, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah, and hotel entrepreneur Sangeeta Shrestha. They collectively stressed the need for tourism-friendly policies to promote and sustain growth in the sector.
