The government is going to brand the country as a safe and attractive tourist destination. In the joint meeting of the Federal Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel announced that Nepal will be established as an attractive destination through the development of infrastructure, expansion of quality services and marketing while presenting the budget for the next financial year 2082/83.
It has been mentioned in the budget that special promotion plans will be conducted targeting tourists from neighboring countries. It is said that tourist-targeted services will be expanded to major destinations of para-tourism, mountain and adventure tourism, religious and cultural tourism.
Tourism promotion programs based on natural, cultural, adventure, film, health and games will be conducted and a reception and service center will be established for tourists coming by land is included in the target budget. Private sector investment will be attracted in the development of tourist destinations.
Emphasis will be placed on the development of jungle safaris, trekking and para tourism in national parks, reservations and conservation areas. The tourism promotion program will be conducted with the cooperation of the private sector and the facilitation of the tourism board.
To promote tourism in the highlands and Himalayas, a safe tourism trail will be developed. Walks will be conducted in Shuklaphanta, Khaptad, Bardia, Rara, Lumbini, Muktinath, Sauraha, Gosaikund, Janakpurdham, Kalinchok, Koshitappu, Sagarmatha, Kachankawal, Pathibhara etc. Reliable arrangements will be made for the safety and emergency rescue of mountain climbers and hikers.
Recognition of hotels and resorts as productive industries
The government has announced that hotels and resorts will be recognized as productive industries through the budget. It is said that income tax and electricity tariff will be exempted for those industries. It is mentioned that legal arrangements will be made to encourage workers working in hotels, restaurants and jungle safaris.
Similarly, infrastructure will be built in major religious and cultural destinations including Mount Everest, Pashupati, Lumbini, Swargadwari, Rara, Khaptad. In the budget, it is said that evening footpaths will be developed in Swayambhunath, Hanumandhoka, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath areas. Tourist infrastructure will be built at the attractive places of Pushpalal Madhyapahari highway and rafting arrangements will be arranged in rivers like Karnali, Bheri, Gandaki, Trishuli.
