NATO urges NTB be kept at arm's length from politics

The Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) has urged to keep Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) at arm's length from politics.

"Observing that persistent political interference has crippled NTB and subsequently undermined efforts for tourism promotion, NATO has suggested that the NTB must be kept free from politics," states a press release by the NATO.

Submitting recommendations to newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTB, Prachanda Man Shrestha at a function held at NATO on November 8, the NATO said the board should be run as per the true norms of public-private partnership. "NATO also recommended that it is high time to change the marketing strategy for the NTB, with making a prior public announcement of country-wise target of tourist arrivals."

Speaking at the function, Basant Raj Mishra, president of NATO said the NTB must move ahead with a concrete plan to lure at least a million tourists by 2010.

"The NTB should take initiatives to ride piggyback on Chinese and Indian tourism which have boomed like never before. It should unveil a policy to work towards developing joint products, joint marketing strategy with these industries so that a considerable number of tourists coming there could extend their trip to Nepal," he said.

India received over of 4.4 million tourists in 2006, while China welcomed 124 million.

The NATO states that extortion from entrepreneurs and tourists have painted negative image of Nepali tourism industry in the overseas market. "The NTB should lobby for asking and convincing the concerned party to halt the extortion," said Mishra.

It also urged for enhancement of capacity of the Tribhuwan International Airport to accommodate rising number of travellers.

It also has suggested declaring tourism as a national industry to make the growth in the tourism industry more steady and sustainable. nepalnews.com sd Nov 09 07