TAAN issued a statement on Thursday, stating that the normal life of tourists, trekking guides, helpers, and local communities has been affected due to the obstacles and difficulties seen on trekking routes due to unusual rains and snowfall.
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The Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has warned all parties to take necessary coordination and preparations, saying that the recent rains and snowfall have seriously affected the tourism sector due to the disaster that has hit the Himalayan trekking routes including Manaslu and Rolwaling areas.
TAAN issued a statement on Thursday, stating that the normal life of tourists, trekking guides, helpers and local communities has been affected due to the disruption and difficulties seen on trekking routes due to unusual rains and snowfall.
The statement said, “Due to this year’s unusual weather changes, trekking routes in Manaslu and other mountainous areas have been disrupted. This has posed a major challenge to the tourism industry.”
TAAN has pointed out the need for collaboration between the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and related bodies to make the weather forecast and warning system more effective. In addition, it has been urged to immediately coordinate between the local administration, security agencies, helicopter services, local bodies and tourism entrepreneurs to ensure quick rescue and safety of tourists and guides in times of disaster.
The statement said, “To make the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) more effective, there is a need to strengthen the system for recording details related to ‘destination and location’ in the trekking area.”
According to TAAN, in the last few years, there has been a decline in tourist movement due to weather-related disasters, avalanches, and abnormal rainfall. This has directly affected the local economy, employment, and tourism networks.
TAAN General Secretary Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa said in a statement, “Although Nepal’s trekking routes are among the most attractive in the world, if the risks of such disasters cannot be reduced, the tourism sector is likely to be further affected. Collaboration between the government, the private sector, and local communities has become indispensable.”
TAAN has urged the Nepal Tourism Board, local administration, and tourism stakeholders to immediately implement protective, preparedness, and risk reduction work in the trekking sector. It also pointed out the need to review the overall safety standards for the upcoming season.
