Tourism experts and stakeholders have emphasized the need for special tourism packages, along with policy and structural reforms, to revitalize Nepal’s tourism sector, generate employment, and strengthen the national economy.
Speaking at a policy conclave organized on the 8th anniversary of IHM College in Kathmandu on Friday, participants highlighted the importance of extending foreign tourists’ stays by exploring and promoting new destinations across the country.
Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane, a tourism expert and former member secretary at CTEVT, stressed the need to improve the quality of hospitality services to ensure a joyful and memorable experience for international visitors. He also suggested incorporating traditional practices into tourism activities and introducing innovative travel packages to attract more tourists.
Dr. Lamichhane further underscored the potential of tourism and production sectors to create employment opportunities within Nepal, urging all stakeholders to prioritize job creation.
Tourism journalist CB Adhikari from RSS highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and tourism-related bodies to implement effective policy reforms. “Developing tourism infrastructure is essential for sustainable tourism growth. Public-private partnerships can play a key role in driving these efforts,” he noted.
Surach Prasain, Chief Executive of Hospital Guides, mentioned that the programme aimed to develop a shared perspective on how travel and hospitality issues can be integrated into the upcoming national budget.
Mahesh Phunyal, Director General at Ramada Incore Hotel, emphasized the importance of investing in the hospitality industry and workforce development as a strategic move to attract foreign tourists. Similarly, Balram Pathak, Director General at Royal Tulip Kathmandu Hotel, echoed the need for producing skilled professionals for the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Hospitality experts including Rabindra Singh and Pranisha Dhungel pointed out that urgent attention is required to address challenges facing the hospitality industry.
Other key issues discussed at the conclave included high airfares, poor road connectivity, the need for promoting unexplored destinations, strengthening promotional activities, linking hospitality schools with tourism efforts, policy reforms, and the allocation of sufficient budget for tourism development.
