August 23: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jeevan Ram Shrestha has stressed on the need to create a favourable environment for attracting religious tourists to Nepal.

He made such remark while inaugurating a museum in Pashupati area on Monday. On the occasion, Minister Shrestha pledged to do his best to create a favourable environment to bring in foreign pilgrims to Pashupatinath Temple.

He said that the Pashupati Temple holds great significance among the Hindus around the world and many of them aspire to visit the temple once in their lifetime.

“The Pashupatinath Temple is the identity of our culture. Therefore, the Pashupati Area Development Trust needs to pay proper attention in facilitating the tourists who visit this holy shrine. It is also necessary to take care of the cleanliness and hygiene of the temple and the maintenance and renovation of the infrastructure,” said Minister Shrestha.

He claimed that Nepal can promote religious tourism only if the country can preserve and promote its cultural heritage.

Minister Shrestha added that the government has included protection of cultural heritage in its 73-point plan for revitalizing the tourism sector.

“Preservation of cultural heritage can only ensure promotion of religious tourism,” said Minister Shrestha, adding, “It also contributes to the economy.”

He argued that promotion of tourism can help create employment opportunities within the country and  help in realizing the dream of prosperous Nepal.

The museum, which was damaged by the mega earthquake of 2015, was renovated with the support from Nepal  Investment Bank Limited.