KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) held a discussion with Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati regarding the issues related to the tourism industry of the country.
The discussion was held on 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. All airlines in Nepal are banned from operating in Europe.
During the discussion held at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal laid emphasis on cooperation and collaboration between the government and private sector for the development of the tourism industry saying that 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 stressed removing Nepal from the EU air safety list as soon as possible as tourists from European countries are among the biggest spenders.
CNI President Agrawal shared that the CNI has formed a tourism committee keeping the tourism industry in high priority. He expressed commitment that the CNI would carry out activities working closely with the MoCTCA.
CNI has called the ministry's attention to the context of challenges seen due to the shortage of air routes for the successful operation of Pokhara International Airport and the Gautam Buddha International Airport. The private sector organisation also drew the attention of the government to the need of developing and promoting Nepal as a filming destination, of timely completion of upgrading work of roads to gain access to tourist destinations. CNI also drew the government's attention to the imposition of VAT on air tickets.
During the discussions, Minister Kirati said the government is making efforts 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 the imposition of VAT on air tickets in the context of Nepal becoming expensive as a tourism destination.
According to Minister Kirati, preparations are being made to purchase some aircraft to be operated in 'trunk routes' for providing service to the remote areas of the country and narrow-body aeroplanes for international flights to make Nepal Airlines Corporation competitive.
He asserted that the Ministry would collaborate with CNI for the development of the tourism industry.
