Minister Mahat urged diplomats to review travel advisory

Minister Mahat urged diplomats to review travel advisory

Nepal Tourism Board organised a programme on December 21, 2007 on the theme of 'Building Partnership on the threshold of NTB entering into 10th year and welcoming New Year 2008 for tourism prosperity'. Addressing the function chief guest Hon'ble Minister for Finance Dr. Ram Saran Mahat said that Nepal has best tourism products in the world in terms of its diversity, variation of landscape, culture and tradition within a short distance. Stressing on the ongoing peace process as a positive sign, he also urged the diplomatic community to review their travel advisory in the changed context of Nepal's polity. He also mentioned Nepal as a heaven for tourists and extolled the variety of food and cuisine that available in Kathmandu within a range of half kilometre. In the programme, Hon'ble Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said," T ourism which depends upon the arrival of foreign tourists, hence it is but imperative that all the diplomatic missions abroad play their vital role in promoting Nepal to their best of their ability in depicting Nepal for all to visit for all seasons. We expect that Nepal will be projected as a place where all are welcomed not only it has now assumed peace but also because Nepal totally believes in "Athithi deo Bhawa" as well as to launch a campaign for send home a friend." He further said, "I would like to make a small but interesting announcement that we are thinking to launch another Visit Nepal Year or similar type of campaign that will be announced formally after discussion with stakeholders. I am very confident that Nepal will be further known to others beyond Nepal, and will create an amicable environment for all to visit." Speaking at the function, Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board said that in the aftermath of the changed political context of Nepal and restoration of peace by putting to an end the decade long uncertainty and conflict, tourism industry has taken a sigh of relief. He further added, "Stakeholders and general public have been exhilarated and encouraged to participate in tourism activities with an anticipation to see tourism boom in the nation. New hopes have dawned upon the people from all corners of society. People are desperately waiting for a sustainable peace and prosperity. Tourism is expected to bring about a difference in a very short period of time. We believe that the first thing to be done is declare tourism as a national priority in its socio-economic agenda." Mr. Leela Mani Poudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Chairman of Nepal Tourism Board expressed vote of thanks to all who supported Nepal's tourism. The programme was attended by high government officials, diplomats, travel industry leaders and media persons.