August 8: A delegation of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) held discussion with Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, regarding the issues related with tourism industry of the country.    
They discussed the issues regarding steps to be taken for tourism promotion, short-term and long-term policy-level reforms along with initiatives to remove Nepal from the European Union's air safety list.    
During the discussion held at the Tourism Ministry, CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal laid emphasis on cooperation and collaboration between the government and the private sector for the development of tourism industry, as tourism is an important source of earning foreign currencies. He said initiatives should be taken immediately to re-establish direct air connectivity with Europe. Agrawal urged the government to take initiatives to remove Nepal from EU air safety blacklist as soon as possible as tourists from Europe are among the biggest spenders.    
Sharing that the CNI has formed a tourism committee keeping tourism industry in high-priority, he expressed commitment that the CNI would carry out activities working closely with the ministry.    
CNI has drawn the ministry's attention in the context of challenges seen due to shortage of air routes for the successful operation of Pokhara International Airport and the Gautam Buddha International Airport. It has also drawn the attention of the government on the need of developing and promoting Nepal as a filming destination, and of timely completion of the upgrading work of approach roads to tourist sites. CNI also raised concerns over the imposition of VAT on air tickets.    
During the discussions, Minister Kirati said that initiatives are being made to remove Nepal from the EU's security risk list and positive news on this is expected soon. He assured that the government will move ahead in a steadfast manner for restoring air connectivity with the European Union.    
He added that he has expressed his objection on the topic of imposition of VAT on air tickets in the context of Nepal becoming expensive as a tourism destination.    
The Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said preparations are being made to purchase some planes to be operated in 'trunk routes' for providing service to the remote areas of the country and narrow-body airplanes for international flights to make Nepal Airlines Corporation competitive.    
He asserted that the ministry would collaborate with the Confederation for the development of the tourism industry. -- RSS