NATO is committed to the promotion and development of Nepali tourism and always ready to undertake any task that helps strengthen Nepal's economy as a whole.
As a non-government, non-profit making and non-political organisation dedicated to promoting inbound quality tourism and developing new tourism products, it is an association of renowned tourism entrepreneurs who are the highest taxpayers and among the highest foreign currency earners for the country.
In view of the mega tourism event -- Nepal Tourism year 2011 -- NATO is confident that the following recommendations will be incorporated in the coming budget:
1. Regain lost confidence through effective marketingNepali tourism industry is a victim of negative publicity in the international market. As a result, even after improved circumstances in the country, tourists are still hesitant to come to Nepal.
2. Enhance competitive strength of local tour operatorsDue to global competition from regional markets such as India, South East Asia and South Asian countries, it has become extremely important for tour operators to constantly upgrade their office equipment, vehicles and other infrastructure to meet the demand of their clients.
3. Enhance competition with equal opportunitiesFair competition should be enhanced by making sure that those who are paying taxes are not penalised any further by ensuring that all those who sell travel or deal with tourists must be brought under the VAT umbrella. If VAT is waived, this will raise revenue.
4. Encourage international flights/charters, ensured stronger air access.
5. Market TIA Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) must be marketed to promote it and lure international airlines. Its services should be improved, as the TIA milieu gives tourists the first impression of Nepal.
6. Encourage movie producers Movies made in Nepal by international producers would be a method to publicize the country in the international arena. Policies related to making movies in Nepal should be simplified and fees slashed so that movie producers are encouraged on a massive scale.
7. Invest for rural developmentPublic investment in rural development should be increased. If infrastructure like road, electricity, communication are put in place, tourism entrepreneurs would promote rural and village tourism.
8. Develop tourism infrastructure, set up four-lane highways to tourist destinations
9. Strengthen the national carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation. Add more aircraft
10. Tour Operators and Travel Agents must be treated as two separate categories.
11. Take stringent action against wilful defaulters.
12. Strikes, lockouts, chakkajam, bandh, gherao should be completely banned.
13. Easy exit for troubled tourism companies.
14. Declare tourism a national industry to encourage foreign investment.
Basanta Raj Mishra
President
Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO)
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