NATIONAL7Spotlight Weekly)]

‘Comprehensive Tourism Package Soon'

—BAL BAHADUR KC

At a time when tourism entrepreneurs are worried about the decline in tourist arrivals, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation BAL BAHADUR KC has revealed that the government is planning to come out with a comprehensive program to improve the situation. K.C spoke to Paribesh program of Radio Nepal on various tourism-related issues. Excerpts:

What steps is the government taking to increase the number of tourists in the country?

The government is trying to formulate a comprehensive program, taking into confidence the private sector, to increase the number of tourists. Our first step will be to reduce visa fees for tourists who want to visit Nepal for the second time. Secondly, we are opening new peaks and restricted areas to tourists. The ministry will take necessary measures in this direction. We have already identified those decisions the ministry can take by itself and those that need to be taken by the cabinet.

How do you see situation of the tourism industry right now?

Because of national and international circumstances, tourist arrivals have declined and the industry as a whole is suffering from it. The government is fully aware about what is going on in the tourism sector.

A large number of tourists visiting Nepal are second-timers. Why has the government failed to come out with incentives for this group?

It is true that second-time visitors represent more than a third of the total number of tourists. Because of lack of coordination, we were unable to take necessary steps to introduce such incentives. We are going to do so now.

As you know, hotels, airlines and travel agencies have been facing major problems because of the low tourist arrivals. What other incentives is the government considering for tourism entrepreneurs?

Because of low tourist inflow, the number of hotels and airlines are unable to pay interest to the banks. The ministry is proposing to give some relief to tourism entrepreneurs by waiving interest rates for the time being. Along with this, the government is planning to make airlines more efficient and reliable. We are considering an increase the domestic air fare. We will subsidize the airfare for the remote areas.

It is said that the state of emergency has affected the number of tourists. How do you look at it?

This is a misunderstanding. As you know, the law-and-order situation has drastically improved following the declaration of the state of emergency. We have failed to disseminate this positive side of the emergency. After the declaration of the state of emergency, tourists have greater guarantee of security. We have launched steps to inform tourists about the positive aspects of the emergency. The aim of the state of emergency is to improve the law-and-order situation. We must send this message to other countries.

How do you plan to mobilize the private sector?

We need support from the private sector to achieve our targets. I am encouraging private parties to take necessary steps in partnership with the government. The private sector will be given a key role in revitalizing the tourism industry. There is a need for active participation of the private sector in tourism promotion activities.

When will Chinese tourists start coming to Nepal under the recent bilateral agreement?

We have already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese officials. I think Chinese tourists will start coming to Nepal within six months. We are already in the process of selecting the travel agencies to cater the Chinese tourists. We will announce the list of travel agents soon. We still have to settle the issues of language, money exchange and other facilities for the Chinese tourists.

What is happening with regard to Destination Nepal?

We will announce the main committee to celebrate Destination Nepal shortly. I am trying to encourage the private sector in Destination Nepal. I believe we need to mobilize the private sector to make Destination Nepal successful.

What other reforms is your ministry taking?

The government is considering spending certain percentage of revenue in those districts that generate tourism revenue. We are taking this step to encourage local participation in the tourism sector.