Kathmandu: The Tourism Committee under the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) held a discussion with Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, to address various issues in the tourism sector. The committee, while congratulating the Minister, emphasized the need to re-establish direct air links with Europe, enhance the competitiveness of the national flag carrier, and introduce new tourism laws and policies.
During the discussion, the committee suggested measures to reduce air accidents, operationalize two new international airports, and improve the operational hours of Tribhuvan International Airport. Ravi Chandra Singh, a committee member, urged for extending the airport’s operational hours from 14 to 16 hours starting November 8, particularly during the peak tourist season. He also expressed concerns about the high cost of air tickets, which could hinder the government’s target of attracting 1.6 million tourists this year, and called for a review of the VAT imposed on air tickets.
Ashok Pokhrel, another committee member, highlighted the need to increase Nepal’s accessibility, particularly by facilitating Nepal’s removal from the European Union’s aviation safety list to ease travel to and from Europe. He stressed the importance of strengthening the national flag carrier and aligning the Nepal Tourism Board’s operations with its objectives.
n response, Minister Pandey assured that the government is prioritizing the resolution of issues in the tourism sector. He mentioned ongoing efforts to resolve the problems at Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports by the end of August 2024 and confirmed that the Tourism Act is in its final stages and will be introduced soon. The Minister also noted that further discussions and consultations would be held to strengthen Nepal Airlines.
The meeting was attended by CNI Vice President Raj Bahadur Shah, Tourism Committee Chair Pampha Dhamala, and other committee members, who shared their suggestions and extended congratulations and best wishes to the Minister.
