February 5: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has urged Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati to make Nepal's tourism industry competitive by reducing airfares. During a felicitation program held at the ministry, the CNI suggested the minister measures to be taken to promote Nepal's tourism, the policy reforms needed immediately and in the long-term, including the initiative to remove Nepali airline companies from the blacklist of the European Union.

Raj Bahadur Shah, vice president of CNI, said that the confederation given high priority to the tourism sector and has formed a committee to look after this issue. He said that even though Nepal is an excellent tourist destination, relatively few foreign tourists are visiting the country because the airfare in Nepal is very expensive. He drew the attention of Minister Kirati to take necessary steps to reduce the air fare, to make the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation competitive and to remove Nepal from the blacklist maintained by the European Union.

Birendra Raj Pandey, vice president of CNI, said that the confederation is working with the government to expand the economy. He said that the federation is ready to cooperate with the government to advance the tourism industry.

Pampha Dhamala, chairperson of the Tourism Committee of the CNI, urged the tourism minister to give this sector the same facilities as other industries. She said that Nepal's promotion campaign should be conducted in an effective and visible manner at international destinations.

CNI has also drawn the attention of the ministry about the lack of air routes and challenges for the successful operation of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport. The CNI also requested the government to take necessary steps to remove the limit of cash that Indian tourists can bring to Nepal, to develop and promote Nepal as a filming destination, and to facilitate the arrangements for bringing and taking away jewelry for weddings as Nepal can be an excellent destination for weddings. 

During the meeting, Minister Kirati welcomed the suggestions made by the CNI regarding the policy reforms. He said that the initiative has already been started regarding the removal of Nepal from EU’s blacklist