Newly elected CA members stress tourism

Newly elected Constituent Assembly (CA) members vowed to promote tourism for the economic development of the country.

Nepali Congress CA elect member from Lalitpur-3 Madan Bahadur Amatya said that they would prioritise tourism promotion.

Likewise, another newly elected CA member from Bhaktapur-2, Rameshwor Dhungel said that tourism, agriculture and energy are key sectors the government should focus on. "The country cannot develop economically, unless the government concentrates on tourism," he said, stressing on the development of the ‘homestay'.

During a programme organised here today by Hotel Association-Nepal (HAN),  Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (Reban), Tourist Guild Association of Nepal (TGA Nepal), Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (Natta), PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Association of Tour Operators (Nato), Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (Taan), Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (Nara), Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Society of Travel and Tour Operators Nepal (Sotto Nepal) to feleicitate 15 newly elected CA members from Kathmandu Valley, president of HAN Shyam Sundar Lal Kakshapati said that the tourism sector contributes to around 2.4 per cent to the total gross domestic product (GDP) but the government is yet to give a serious re look to it.

"The government has, though prioritised tourism industry, it has not been able to help bring any positive development to the sector," he said, adding that the government has even failed to buy a new aircraft for the national flag carrier and construct an alternate regional international airport.

He also urged the government to work together with the private sector for the development of tourism. "The country can earn foreign currency, create employment opportunities, control poverty, promote exports and make regional balance and maintain surplus Balance of Profit (BoP) through tourism promotion," he added.

General Secretary of the Nepali Congress and newly elected CA member from Kathmandu-1 Prakash Man Singh, on the occasion, said that absence of local representatives has also hit the development at the local level that has caused negative impact on the tourism sector. "Dirty roadways, poor drainage system and drinking water have contributed to send a negative message of Kathmandu as an ugly city," he said, urging the private sector to come up with development agendas for the development of tourism sector.