New strategy needed to boost tourism: Ambassadors 

Kathmandu. Ambassadors of different countries have suggested that new strategic ‘products’ and tactics are needed to boost Nepal’s tourism, which has been hampered by Covid-19.

In a virtual program organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on Tuesday on the promotion of tourism in Nepal, they suggested to bring a new program to revive the tourism that has been hampered due to covid, said Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, Executive Chief of the Board.

The ambassadors said that although there were problems everywhere during Covid-19 time, preparations were needed for the future.

Stating that international tourism has been booming with the development and expansion of vaccines, he suggested the board to pay attention to the neighboring countries as it is a big resource market.

Similarly, the ambassadors said that it was necessary to adjust the air fares in Nepal as there were problems in tourist arrivals. On the occasion, Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Vansidhar Mishra said that although Bangladesh was a big market for Nepal, it could not work accordingly.

With a population of about 15 million Hindus and 8 million Buddhists in Bangladesh, he said that a large number of tourists could be brought to Nepal from Bangladesh if some promotional work and connectivity could be emphasized.

Similarly, Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan Tapas Adhikari said that it was necessary to emphasize border tourism. He suggested the NTB to prepare promotion materials in the local language as English is an international language but there are a large number of people in the world who do not understand English.

Similarly, Minister for Economics at the Nepali Embassy in India, Nita Pokhrel, said that more promotional programs were needed in India as India was a major resource market for Nepal. Bishwas Bhatta,

Second Secretary of the Nepali Embassy in Sri Lanka, said that although Lumbini is a major attraction for Sri Lankans, Sri Lankan tourists can also be taken to Nepal for adventure tourism.

Giving information about the work done by the NTB for the promotion of tourism in Nepal, Chief Executive Officer of the Board Dr. Dhananjay Regmi said that it was necessary to develop and promote Nepal as a destination for all seasons and all age groups.

He said that the board would work for the promotion of tourism in collaboration with the embassies. The NTB, which has been holding discussions with the Ambassadors of various countries, today held virtual interactions with the Ambassadors of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and other officials of the Embassy.

The NTB has previously interacted with ambassadors from the United States, the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and Europe, focusing on how to work together to promote Nepal’s tourism despite the epidemic.