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The 45th World Tourism Day was celebrated in Nepal with various programs, under the theme "Tourism and Peace." During the event, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Urban Development, Prakashman Singh, inaugurated the program in Kathmandu and emphasized that tourism is a crucial sector for Nepal's economic prosperity. He also stated that prosperity can be achieved through tourism. He highlighted that peace is essential for the economic and social progress of the nation and that the growth of tourism is closely tied to maintaining peace. Singh referred to tourism as a key driver of Nepal's development and stated that the government is encouraging the private sector to play a significant role in this process.
Similarly, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, noted that Nepal holds immense potential for tourism. He emphasized that both the state and private sector must collaborate to achieve economic growth through tourism. Pandey also stressed that peace is vital for tourism, particularly in a world grappling with the challenges of climate change and seeking global peace. He added that Nepal Airlines Corporation, the national carrier, needs to be strengthened through policy reforms and strategic market planning to support tourism development.
Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Arun Kumar Choudhary, also acknowledged the private sector's crucial role in advancing tourism. He affirmed that the government is working towards establishing tourism-friendly policies.
Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the Nepal Tourism Board, mentioned that Nepal is a global leader in tourism. He stressed the importance of cooperation between various stakeholders to maximize the benefits from the tourism sector. Ram Prasad Sapkota (Kamal), Vice President of the Nepal Tourism Board, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the interdependent relationship between peace and tourism, and the necessity of policies that support tourism development.
Vinayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), expressed that the state should prioritize tourism, given the substantial investments in the hotel industry and the creation of nearly one million jobs. Hotelier Sangita Shrestha added that Nepal's vast tourism potential could pave the way for economic prosperity.
On this occasion, various individuals and organizations were honored for their contributions to tourism. Tourists arriving in Nepal via Jazeera Airlines and Fly Dubai were welcomed at the airport by Senior Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Hikmat Singh Ayer, who greeted them with food and Buddha statues.
Additionally, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAN) recognized five companies for having the highest number of trekking teams, while the Rural Tourism Forum (VITOF) declared three homestays in Gulmi, Dhading, and Sankhuwasabha as tourism villages.
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