A platform to revive tourism

SANGAM PRASAIN

KATHMANDU, JAN 13 -
After an interval of 13 years, the country is once again all set to welcome tourists in a big way. When President Ram Baran Yadav formally launches the Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 on Friday, the count of one million tourists the country plans to bring in will also kick off.

The campaign aims to project Nepal as a safe tourist destination and a choice of premier holidayers. That is the reason NTY organisers have invited tourism ministers of SAARC countries and the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation at the official launching of the NTY.

The decade-long conflict has taken its toll on Nepali tourism and NTY has emerged as the perfect platform for the government and tourism entrepreneurs to revive the industry. The fact that over Rs 500 million has been invested by the private sector targeting the NTY and five international airlines are waiting to start their services to Nepal and the record tourist arrivals in 2010, all show that 2011 could become a defining year for the tourism industry.

According to estimates, if one million tourists arrive in Nepal in 2011, tourism’s contribution to the GDP will be almost 4 percent. And, the country could end up earning foreign currency worth $600 million.

From hoteliers to tour operators, everyone is excited. “The Tourism Year is very important for the hotel industry,” said Vini K Gupta, general manager of Soaltee Crowne Plaza. “The average room occupancy that remained stagnant for the last two years could go up in 2011.” It is expected that the average room rate would also increase this year.

Many argue that the success of the NTY will depend on the country’s political scenario. One of them is economist Biswombher Pyakurel. “The future of Nepal’s tourism sector hinges on how leaders work to forge political consensus,” Pyakurel said.

More than the number, according to the president of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Arjun Prasad Sharma, NTY will disseminate a positive message about Nepal in the global tourism market. “The major aim of the NTY is to send across a positive message in the international level that Nepal is ready to welcome all,” Sharma said.

According to Pyakurel, the focus should be on hosting the international community in a cordial manner in the post-conflict era rather than counting the number of visitors.

What NTY has done even before its official launch is bring back investment in the tourism sector. Not only the hotel industry, but also the aviation sector is on an expansion drive with Budhha Air even starting its international flight.

“Tourism is now becoming a major industry,” said Birendra Bahadur Basnet, managing director of Buddha Air. Other domestic air operators are also expanding their fleet for the NTY.

Investment made by the private sector has also created much-needed employment opportunities in the country. And, commercialisation of homestay in 2011 means earnings from tourism would now go to the grassroots as well. If properly handled, homestay can become one of the major features of Nepali tourism where tourists can get to know Nepal and the Nepali culture closely.