Diversifying Tourism
TOURISM industry has served as a backbone of Nepal's national economy for decades as it is
the largest foreign currency earner in Nepal. It is the sector that has provided
employment opportunities to a large number of people. In fact, Nepal has pinned its
developmental hopes on the development and promotion of tourism industry. Both government
and private sector are collaborating for its development in Nepal. The government has
brought about necessary policies, rules and regulations to create more conducive
atmosphere for the development of tourism sector. As a result, Nepal's tourism industry
has made a significant progress in period of a few years. There are several factors that
have contributed to the promotion of the industry in Nepal. The virgin nature, scenic
beauty, rich cultural heritage and hospitable people attract many foreigners to this
Himalayan Kingdom. However, the tourism potentials have still not been fully realised.
There are much more that Nepal can offer to foreigners, which would further develop the
tourism trade. Despite the existence of such wonderful potentials, Nepal's tourism
industry has recently suffered a setback because of instability, insecurity and violence.
Efforts have now been initiated to end violence and conflict and restore peace in the
country, which would definitely help revive the tourism sector once again. Tourism
industry has so far been limited to a few urban centres and a few other areas. There are
other several places, which can be great tourist destinations, if necessary attention were
given. These places need to be explored and infrastructure developed in those areas in
order to diversify tourism industry. Statistics show that the average stay of tourists is
relatively shorter in Nepal. If tourism industry is expanded and diversified to other
areas as well, tourists' stay in Nepal would definitely increase and the industry would be
further developed. Against this background, the Hotel Association of Nepal has organized
the " Let Us Visit Pokhara" campaign in order to attract more tourists not only
from within the country but also from abroad to this resort town, which is, no doubt, a
commendable job for the promotion of the country's tourism industry. Such programmes need
to be organised in other parts of the country too in order to diversify the tourism
industry. In the same way, efforts need to be made to promote Nepal in the international
arena as well, which would make Nepal known to foreigners and attract more tourists to the
country. For this, government and private sector have to act in a more coordinated way for
the larger interest of the nation.
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