Tourism Talk
The cover story “Reviving Tourism” (SPOTLIGHT June 15) shows a mixed picture about the situation of tourism in the country. It is sad to note that even a year after the Jana Andolan II, the country is yet to see complete peace. The situation in Terai plains has deteriorated rapidly. As such, it is not strange that tourists will still be wary about visiting Nepal. The house should first be in order before we can expect guests.
Sujan Amatya
Patan
Trouble Ahead
At a time when tourism industry is getting less attention from the government as well as the media, the cover story “Reviving Tourism” (SPOTLIGHT June 15) has highlighted the problems that the tourism industry has been facing. Although the number of tourists
arriving in Nepal has increased in recent months, the future seems gloomy. It seems that the violence in Terai isn't going to stop in near future as the issue in Terai is getting more complicated each day. The security is getting poorer day by day. Each day a new group with its own political demands calls bandh, which is effective enough to shut down shops and transportation. The government is weak and cannot assure security to its own people. How can we expect high end and organized groups of tourists in such a situation? It is evident that the road to constituent assembly is going to be bloody. The violence will certainly escalate and the security will certainly deteriorate unless the government takes stronger measures to improve it. The next six months is depressing for tourism industry. Like the USA, other countries will also impose travel advisories since it seems that
the security of the country will be inferior in the future.
Kabindra Thapa
Lagankhel
Testing Times For Tourism
Since last eight years – after the IC 814 hijack from Kathmandu in 1999 – Nepal has remained in the limelight for many wrong reasons (“Reviving Tourism” SPOTLIGHT June 15). The plan hijack, anti-India riots (Hrithik Roshan episode), strikes, bandhs, royal massacre, Maoist violence, state of emergency, King’s intervention and so on have made it sure that Nepal remained in the limelight. All these things had quite a bad impact on the image of the nation. Consequently, the tourism suffered badly. Now that people are seeing hopes of restoration of peace, it is natural for entrepreneurs to expect a turnaround. But that can only happen after the security situation stabilizes following the CA elections. Therefore, these are testing times for tourism sector as well as other sectors.
Nanda Gurung
Maharajgunj
Demagogic Leaders
After reading the article "Political Leadership: Where Do They Stand?" (SPOTLIGHT June 15), it became clear that Nepalese politicians don't have any vision for the country.
These leaders are not responsible and mature enough. It seems that these demagogic leaders are worse than drunkards as they speak whatever they want without even thinking. For example, Prachanda accuses prime minister of being kingpin of criminals and within two days swiftly changes his words to say that he has settled all the matters. When they can't take a stand on their own words, how can we expect them to drive this country towards peace and prosperity? I think they want to continue this situation by creating confusion in the minds of people. The two leaders who speak against each
other one day praise each other the next day. I think people have become frustrated by their rhetoric. The speeches made by our leaders contain so many jargons that ordinary people don't understand. Their promises are just limited to their demagogy. I am very disappointed that the country's future is not bright as we have the leaders who just don't listen to the people and who don't work for the welfare of people.
Gagan Rai
Kuleshwore
