|
Difficult Indeed
The revival of the tourism sector is difficult indeed as you have written in the cover story this issue “WORLD TOURISM DAY: Waiting For Revival” (SPOTLIGHT September 23). At a time when the conflict is exacerbating in the country, it is very difficult to convince the prospective tourists that Nepal is a safe destination only through promotional activities through government bodies. The easy access to online news portals makes it very difficult to counter the propaganda spread across the world about Nepal ’s image. No matter how hard the government agencies or the local media try to relay the true information about the situation in Nepal , prospective tourists cannot be convinced unless a sustainable peace is established in Nepal . So, it is wiser to work for sustainable peace through reconciliation among the warring parties for the long term sustainability of tourism in Nepal .
Rita Thapa
Baluwatar
Vague Policies
The interview with Tek Bahadur Dangi not only lacks insights, but also has factual blunders “Major Chunk Of Our Time Is Spent On Coping With Crisis” (SPOTLIGHT September 23). Nepal Tourism Board was established before 1999, but Dangi has stated that it was established in 1999. It is clear that ‘Visit Nepal Year 1998’ was celebrated after the establishment of NTB. Reading through the interview, it becomes clear that Dangi lacks clear vision for the development of tourism in this country. With such people without vision at the chief executive’s position in the major government body for tourism promotion, it is not surprising the tourism sector has relegated to this stage from what was once a thriving business of the country.
Neema Sherpa
Thamel
Much To Be Done
Nepal does not have a long history of tourism “Waiting for Revival (SPOTLIGHT, September 23)”. The business in this sector started to thrive only after 1990s. And it had reached the climax at the end of the decade. However, the success in the tourism sector in the previous decade is neither accredited to the hard work and devotion of the private entrepreneurs nor proper vision, policies and monitoring of the government agencies. The business thrived only because of the natural and cultural heritage Nepal has and it would not be injustice to anybody to say that nobody has done anything to promote and uplift this sector in the long run. Everybody involved in this sector took the thriving business for granted. The turn of events in the later years have taught the private entrepreneurs a big lesson. Many who had entered the business without a professional motive have left the field and the professionals for whom tourism is their bread and butter have realized the need of professionalism and concerted efforts in marketing as well as providing quality service. There are a lot of things to be planned and implemented before tourism can be a boon to the national economy and the government agencies should also realize this. Sooner the better.
Dhruba Khanal
Thamel
Reconciliation Must
To take the country out of its present crisis reconciliation is the only option “Reconciliation Is Crucial To Deal With Challenges Facing Nepal” (SPOTLIGHT September 23). History has shown that no crisis has ended successfully with confrontation. Even the winner loses a lot in war, while even losers win a lot in reconciliation. The forces of the present should have realized this very well. If they claim to be working for the welfare of the people, they should not waste time in holding talks with each other and reach common meeting point to take the country out of its present crisis.
Shiva Ram Kharel
Putalisadak
Parties Should Wait
It has been seen from the experiences since the last two or three years that the political parties lack the backing of people in their agitation “Moderation For Political Stability” (SPOTLIGHT September 23). Despite the fact that the parties are trying to summon the people in various ways they are not seen in the agitations. While they were irritated of the agitations during the period between October 4 (2003) and February 1(2005), they now have a moral support for the demand of the political parties. However, the people have not come out to the streets because of the lack of trust. They are in no mood to walk after the present leaders and the leaders they would support have not come to the forefront. So, at this time, it is advisable for the parties to wait for the agitation until they gain enough support from the people and develop new generation leaders.
Prabesh Shrestha
Chhetrapati
|
