Has Nepal been able to tap tourism industry’s potential?

Tourism industry in Nepal has been debased due to negligence of the stakeholders including the government. We have failed to preserve our heritages and natural resources. It is disgusting to see that our Himalayas are getting polluted and we have failed to preserve purity of dozens of rivers which are considered lucrative places to attract tourists. Businesses such as rafting and kayaking will face severe crisis in the future. Similarly, Nepal has failed to protect heritage sites of old-age cities. 

 

What are major hurdles in promoting this industry? 

Tourism industry has been one of the most debased businesses in the country. We have not realized the economic and social importance of the tourism industry. There is lack of proper coordination among stakeholders. It seems every stakeholder want, credit for the success but no one is ready to take responsibility if there is failure of some initiative. I think, we all should focus on creating tourism-friendly environment. We have to promote positivity in this industry. 

 

But, the industry is always abuzz with  ‘tourism sector promotion’ talks?

Tourism promotion should not be limited in the slogans. Instead of being limited to formalities, both entrepreneurs and the government should focus on taking real action.  Importance of tourism industry should be mainstreamed. 

 

How do you see the tourists’ inflow in Nepal and its contribution to the national economy?

It is definitely moving along positive direction. It is, however, worthwhile mentioning here that the country seems to tend towards negative aspect. Responsible agencies, including media, often report that the national economy is severely grounded, lack of employment opportunities and post-conflict difficulties fostered by the extended political transition.  This trend of laying greater stress on exposing negative incidents has shadowed positive aspect of tourism industry and by extension affected the inflow of tourists.

 

Tourism industry is a sector with huge potential to correspond to the Nepal’s development objectives. Even rural and remote areas have been getting benefits from this industry. And as such this industry has capacity to develop rural parts of the country too. 

 

In order to increase tourists’ inflow, we have to put efforts in multiple tasks. We should construct another international airport and upgrade existing airstrips, ensure safety in public transportation systems, manage adequate hotels and other infrastructure requirements to lure more tourists. However, unless promotion of this industry is made a national agenda, sectoral development doesn’t seem possible. 

 

We have failed to benefit from the opportunities created by our neighboring giant economies. Despite being sandwiched between India and China, we have not succeeded in bringing even one million tourists in a year. 

 

Along with this, we need to change our investment trend too. Our business fraternity has been investing in housing, real estate, Dhukuti and gold market, which are not considered very productive. Investment in tourism sector is comparatively more secure and investors can get return in short time. 

 

Tourism industry can promote many other sectors including agriculture, hotels, domestic industries, transport and other infrastructure sector. We can get multiple advantages by promoting tourism industry. 

 

Are you satisfied with what the Nepal Tourism Board has been doing?

No, I am not. It is worthwhile mentioning here that we can’t become efficient or inefficient on our own. Some external factors hinder us. We still have to depend on stakeholders, policymakers and resources allocated by them. Still, we find ourselves among the 10 best public entities. 

 

In the end, how do you assess the contribution of private sector in promotion of Nepal’s tourism industry?

Private sector should be more responsible. Private sector considers itself to be a partner organization to the tourism industry hence they too have the responsibility to promote this sector. Private sector can invest some portion of their profit to fulfill their social responsibilities. I think, there are chances of more investment from private sector but they are shying away. Every organization should contribute to promote the industry. We would propose to construct HAN Village, TAAN Village, PATA village to promote tourism sector. State cannot invest in each sector and it is not good to invite state investment in this liberalized age. Our role is to facilitate the collection of resources and expertise. Private sector should lead the tourism industry.