National 6 (Spotlight Weekly)

“Tourism Sector Is Very Anxious Over Resumption Of Conflict”

— Hari Man Lama

Hari Man Lama is the chief executive of the Sansui Treks and Incentive Tours. Lama, an experienced tourism entrepreneur spoke to SPOTLIGHT on various issues relating to tourism sector especially in the aftermath of the derailment of the peace process and resumption of conflict. Excerpts:

What is the present situation of trekking in the country after the breakdown of ceasefire?

Clearly, the tourism entrepreneurs are very anxious over the sudden resumption of conflict. Tourism sector was already in a bad shape and now this terrible turn of events threatens to mar it further. There exists some psychological fear among trekking agencies and entrepreneurs. The environment of insecurity has definitely been a setback. But there has not been much cancellations as the prevailing belief is still that the tourists/trekkers are not targeted and they are the guests to all Nepalese.

What effect is the breakdown of ceasefire going to have on trekking sector, in particular, in the forthcoming season?

If the present trend continues it will have adverse effects not only on the trekking sector but on the whole tourism sector ultimately leading to unfavorable state of foreign exchange reserves of our country. Trekking is no exception to the vulnerabilities of the tourism sector. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the effect will be minimal and that there will not be any major problem.

You are going to contest the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) election for the position of general secretary. What are your agenda?

Yes, with the inspirations and encouragement I received from the fellow members of TAAN and many friends within and outside this Association, I have declared my candidature along with a panel consisting of professionally committed team. The agenda we will pursue has been worked out by this team and hence do not belong to an individual. But once decided by the Executive Committee it will be the prime responsibility of the Secretary General to implement them.

What are the current problems of trekking sector and what should be done to resolve them?

The problems confronting the trekking sectors are manifold. But I do not mean to say that these problems are totally obstructing our activities. The solution to existing problems will surely facilitate us to work more productively and smoothly. This is the reason that we are contesting the upcoming election for the common benefit of all TAAN members.

Last year the government opened new trekking routes. Did it help the sector?

Yes, it certainly did bring some positive results. We had been asking the HMG/ Nepal for opening these new routes since long. Thankfully, the government opened them up. It is still too early to exactly paint the picture how it has been beneficial. But it has helped us to polish our products and also made trekking more competitive.

TAAN organized silver jubilee this year. What new programs were launched?

The programs included the renewal of TAAN commitment of promoting the trekking sector as viable vehicle of economic growth of the country. The association organized various activities. And, of course, some programs are still in the offing. They are targeted at increasing the general awareness about the significance of this sector.

Is there a need to diversify trekking sector in the country? If yes, what has to be done?

It does need to be diversified. With the passage of time everything needs to be changed and polished. We also have to find new ways to lure more trekkers from around the world so that it could generate more income for the country.

How safe are the trekking routes in the country? Has the situation of insecurity affected the routes and trekking regions?

Like I told you earlier, there is more fear in people’s mind than what the situation in the ground really is. We have had no problem with insecurity. But the Government always needs to be alert to ensure a sense of security in all parts of the country particularly in trekking /tourist areas.

What are your observations about the recent government decision to waive visa fee to tourists from SAARC countries and China? Can trekking sector also tap to the regional markets like India and China?

It is definitely a welcome step. I see a great potentiality to tap the regional market not only like India and China but all countries of the SAARC. Of course, the volume will be different. Trekking sector can also reap benefits of the new provisions. There is a need to promote trekking and adventure tourism among Indian tourists. The people living in metropolitan cities of India can be lured if proper plans of promotion are put in place.