The budget prioritizes improvements in tourism infrastructure, mountain security, religious tourism, and international air security, along with a strategy to attract high-spending tourists.
We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
The government has announced that it will promote the tourism and civil aviation sectors as the main pillars of economic transformation through the budget for the fiscal year 2083/84. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has put forward a new concept of 'health tourism' in the budget presented in the joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on Friday.
The government has allocated a budget of Rs 7.34 billion for the culture and tourism sector and Rs 2.93 billion for the civil aviation sector. The budget has prioritized improvements in tourism infrastructure, mountain security, religious tourism and international air safety, along with a strategy to attract high-spending tourists.
Similarly, it has announced the restructuring of the Civil Aviation Authority within the coming Poush with the goal of removing Nepal from the European Union's 'Air Safety List' that has been in place for years. Under this, it has been mentioned that the roles of regulator and service operation will be completely separated.
The budget states that special preparations will be made to make the 'Tourism Year 2085' and 'Nepal Health Year 2027' a success. The government has adopted a policy to promote Nepal's tourism in the international market through the brand of 'Health Tourism'. It has also been announced that physical and financial incentives will be given to the construction of high-class resorts and hotels.
The government has put forward a plan to add a new dimension to the mountaineering and trekking sector. The unnamed mountains above 6,000 meters high will be specially promoted in the international market by giving them their original names. In addition, the budget states that the safety and emergency rescue system for mountain climbers and trekkers will be made more reliable.
The government has also put forward a plan to develop various strategic trekking routes, including the Great Himalayan Trail. The 'Danphe Route', Api Himal, Dodi Himal, Sickles-Kahunbhuche-Manang and Tinjure-Pathibhara trekking routes stretching from the Far West to Karnali will be developed. The budget also includes an announcement to develop some areas of Gandaki Province as cycle trails.
The government has allocated Rs 830 million for the development of infrastructure in the Lumbini region. It is mentioned that Janakpur will be developed as an international 'wedding destination' and the Ram Janaki Path will be upgraded. The government has stated that the process will be taken forward to get Tilaurakot, Janakpurdham and Gokarneshwor in Kapilvastu listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Similarly, a model homestay program is to be run in the settlements of Madhes, Karnali and the Far West to preserve the culture of Dalit and indigenous peoples and connect them with tourism. The government has allocated a budget of Rs 1.53 billion for the upgrade of Tribhuvan International Airport. It is said that the modality for the construction of the much-awaited Nijgadh International Airport will be decided within the next 6 months.
Similarly, a partnership will be formed with the private sector for the full operation and management of Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport. Plans to operate night flights at Bharatpur Airport, expand Surkhet Airport, and upgrade the runways of Talcha Airport in Mugu and Tarigaun Airport in Dang have also been included in the budget.
