Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana Deuba said that tourism is the basis of Nepal's development and prosperity. She expressed this opinion in the retreat program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the heads and representatives of foreign delegations and various international organizations in SriAntu and Kanyam in Elam.

'Nepal's unique culture and heritage and natural beauty are the main attractions of the world and these precious assets of ours  They are also the basis of the country's development and prosperity," she said. On the said occasion, Minister Rana also clarified that the purpose of this program is to share Nepal's diversity, rich culture and natural beauty with the world community on the eve of the New Year.

Minister Rana praised Nepal's cultural and natural diversity as well as its beauty, greenery, biological diversity and heritage and snow ranges. Explaining the importance of Elam region, the minister she also portrayed Elam as a place of tea plantations, mist covered hills and kind hearted inhabitants . She also urged everyone to experience the tea, pure air, tradition and lifestyle of Elam.

Minister Rana also asked the participating diplomats to become 'ambassadors' of Nepal's tourism. She said, 'I request that when you return from here, you take the good stories of Elam and Nepal to your country and people and help them by promoting them as much as you can.' In the program, she discussed more possibilities of possible foreign investment in Nepal and urged the world community to invest in the field of tourism and infrastructure development in Nepal.