New roadmap for tourism industry

Nepal's constitution has recognized tourism as an important industry linked to national development, economy, cultural preservation and job creation.

Article 51 (l) of the Constitution of Nepal 2072 BS states that - 'To develop an environmentally friendly tourism industry as an important basis of the national economy through the identification, conservation, promotion and dissemination of Nepal's historical, cultural, religious, archaeological and natural heritage, to create the necessary environment and policies for the development of tourism culture and to give priority to the local people in the distribution of the benefits of the tourism industry.'

Implementation of this is also a major duty. Tourism is not just an entertainment or service sector for Nepal, but also the backbone of the national economy, a major source of employment creation and a powerful means of building international identity. Nepal is a country with immense potential to become a unique tourism destination in the world due to the geographical diversity of the Himalayas, hills and Terai, world-famous natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and hospitality culture. The tourism sector has played an important role in earning foreign exchange, strengthening the local economy, rural development, women empowerment and youth employment, having a multifaceted impact. 

For this, the Nepal Tourism Board, which plays a parental role, should play a more active, research-oriented and visionary role. It seems appropriate to revise the structure of the board to brand Nepal not only as a cheap destination, but also as an attractive and quality destination for all categories of tourists and to include appropriate representation of experienced leadership from the private sector in the board's structure. In addition, a future strategy for Nepali tourism should be drawn up with the help of national and international experts to formulate a clear strategy for the programs and plans to be decided by the board. 

Nepal should further strengthen its position in the changing global tourism market through sustainable, safe and quality tourism development. By strengthening air, land and digital connectivity, developing infrastructure, improving safety standards, research-based planning, collaborating with the private sector and adopting modern technology-friendly promotion strategies, Nepal can significantly benefit from the opportunity to become a competitive destination for adventure, cultural, spiritual, health, sports tourism, as well as MICE and wedding destinations.

In this context, it is imperative to place tourism as a priority national agenda and focus on policy clarity, institutional reform, utilization of local resources and inclusive development. Establishing Nepal as a country of hospitality, trust and a lifetime experience by making the overall tourist experience from arrival to departure unforgettable should be the main goal of sustainable tourism development.

One of the most serious challenges in Nepal's tourism development has been the problem of connectivity. Airfares for tourists coming to Nepal are comparatively very expensive, which is discouraging international tourists, investors and business travelers. Long-distance travel to other countries can be done at the same fare.

The private sector has been raising the issue that Nepal's tourism image has been affected by the country's cheap identity and expensive fares. The limited number of aircraft of the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines, poor management, and lack of a long-term expansion strategy have failed to play the expected role, leading to the failure of the tourism industry to achieve the expected results. 

Thai Airlines, which was established along with Nepal Airlines, and airlines operated by Middle Eastern countries have achieved exemplary success in promoting their country's tourism by expanding their global connectivity networks within a few decades. It is also inevitable for Nepal to improve air connectivity through national strengthening, increasing the number of aircraft, commercial management, international partnerships, and effective implementation of the open skies policy.

It seems that the soul of the Nepali tourism industry needs to be revived through 'network expansion'. On the other hand, the condition of Tribhuvan International Airport, which is the gateway to Nepal, has also become a big challenge for tourism development. There are also some challenges in increasing the number of tourists currently arriving at this airport and operating it. Therefore, tourists coming from Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports should be diverted to it. 

These airports should also be operated through development and expansion by providing facilities and services as per international standards. Although some efforts are being made to improve them, they seem very slow, incomplete and inadequate. In addition, the lack of a smooth immigration process, modern waiting rooms, clear information systems and passenger-friendly services is weakening the first experience of arriving in Nepal. This has a negative impact on the overall tourism image. Therefore, there is a pressing need to complete the airport improvement work at a high priority and at a rapid pace. 

In fact, if the experience that tourists get at the first point of entry into Nepal is not good, the overall trip to Nepal will not be enjoyable for tourists. The lack of improvement in the management of our border checkpoints and immigration process also seems to be a major obstacle to tourism. Taking into account the unnecessary hassle, delay and inconvenient process faced by tourists entering Nepal from neighboring countries like India and China via land, easy, simple and fast immigration process, use of smart check-in through digital system, etc. can establish Nepal as a tourist-friendly destination. For that, it is imperative to train immigration staff and administrative machinery in the hospitality industry spirit, professionalism and welcoming tourists with goodwill. 

In addition, the role of the road network is equally important in tourism promotion. Currently, many highways and road projects leading to tourist destinations in Nepal have been incomplete for years. Due to slow construction, poor planning and lack of monitoring, travel times have increased significantly. This has not only increased dust, pollution, inconvenience and risk, but the slow pace of work has also been a concern for the tourism industry, which is not a good thing. It is creating hassle, dissatisfaction and negativity among tourists, which is an obstacle to the overall development of the tourism industry. 

Therefore, there is a desire, wish and demand that road projects be implemented on a war footing within a specific time frame, with special priority given to them. From a policy perspective, Nepal's tourism promotion efforts have not been based on an effective, balanced and long-term strategy. The main factor for this is the constant change of political leadership.

Nepal's tourism potential has not been adequately promoted in the international and domestic markets, tourism infrastructure has not been expanded, and Nepali tourism has been limited to a few urban areas, including Kathmandu, due to the lack of adequate publicity for the country's tourism potential. The country's overall development cannot be opened unless there is an incentive-oriented policy to attract investment in rural and new destinations with tourism potential. In particular, the distribution of licenses without studying demand and supply and making policies and rules has created a situation where many hotels remain vacant, while quality hotels/resorts have not been expanded in the necessary places. 

Similarly, to make the Nepali tourism market, which is a seasonal business, run throughout the year, additional products, destinations, and services should be diversified by bringing policy, structural, and systemic reforms. For this, it seems appropriate for the government to formulate a research-based plan and promote the principle of positive discrimination in this industry for some time. 

Security is a matter of concern and concern. This is also a very important aspect for the tourism industry. Especially, Nepal is being concerned at the international level about internal air security, and a program should be launched to raise awareness at the citizen level for attracting tourists by continuously regulating trekking, road travel, accommodation, food safety, health and hygiene standards. Strict monitoring, clear standards and effective implementation are the necessary prerequisites for this. It seems that a special policy should be adopted to link the benefits and dignity of tourism with the multifaceted sectors of the nation and directly link it with the local economy. 

Since the promotion of local resources and skills is the basis of sustainable tourism, the issue of developing local identity by linking tourism with local agricultural products, handicrafts, cottage industries, women's entrepreneurship and employment creation should be implemented throughout the country in a guaranteed manner. If tourists are allowed to experience the original identity of Nepal through local products and services, the economic aspect will also be strengthened, and its direct impact will also reach the country's development and social transformation. 

Overall, the overall experience from the arrival of tourists to their departure is the real identity of Nepal's tourism. Nepali hospitality should reflect the hospitality of the host and the local culture. It is clear that only through this can the experience-based tourism market be expanded. Only then will tourism become effective. The way tourists experience Nepal and return with memories worth remembering for a lifetime.

Therefore, tourism should not be just an economic activity but should be developed as a means of national identity, cultural pride, environmental balance and inclusive prosperity, through policy clarity, institutional reform and effective implementation, as a major basis for national prosperity. For this, the tourism industry should be given priority in practice.