Tourism agencies announce discount offers

As the Visit Nepal Year 2020 (VNY2020) starts in two days, tourism agencies have announced discount offers to encourage foreigners to prolong their stay in Nepal and also visit frequently.
The VNY2020 being launched with formal programme on January 1 warrants attention and engagement of the people from diverse sectors for its grand success. Tourism ministers from 10 countries and special guests from various 40 countries will take part in the inaugural ceremony of the VNY2020.
Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has decided to provide 30 per cent discount on its services, according to the first vice chair of HAN Binayak Shah.
There are some 2,000 hotels including the luxury star hotels affiliated to HAN, which can accommodate some 2.5 million guests.
Likewise, Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) is also launching promotional activities and providing 20 per cent discount on its service, whereas Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) is going to provide concession of 10 per cent to the service seekers. Similarly, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATA) has offered 10 per cent discount on its services on the occasion of VNY2020. According to NATA president CN Pandey, the customers, who purchase tour packages through NATA-associated travel agencies shall be provided 10 per cent discount in its services. Similarly, Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) president Ganga Prasad Nepal shared that NARA has announced 15 per cent discount for rafting and other water-related adventure sports to the foreign visitors on the occasion.
Likewise, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is also going to announce some package for the tourists, whereas Homestay Association's president Keshav Badal informed that foreign guests choosing homestay will be offered up to 20 per cent discount on lodging and foods. There are more than 600 homestays being run in 57 districts and are associated with the association.
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter president Bidhutichand Thakur also informed that PATA Nepal Chapter is going to organise various promotional events targeting the VNY2020, one of which is Nepal, India, China Expo ('NICE' event) coming February.
Thamel Development Council is also going to organise various promotional events round the year in 2020.

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.