At inauguration of BITM, FNCCI president calls for enhanced connectivity, infrastructure development to boost tourism
KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has called for infrastructure development and enhanced connectivity to boost tourism.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Third Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) organised by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), in Kathmandu today, FNCCI President Dhakal suggested that the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), should be made more effective to ensure better connectivity.
Dhakal stated that the travel mart will help position Nepal as a Buddhist tourism centre and emphasised the need to further refine the event and develop it as a strong brand for the country. He remarked, "Our two neighbouring countries, India and China, have a large number of Buddhist followers. They also appear keen to visit. We need to devise appropriate branding and packages to attract them."
He also proposed the development of a Buddhist circuit by linking Buddhist pilgrimage sites within Nepal, including Lumbini (the birthplace of Buddha), with pilgrimage routes in India in order to promote Buddhist tourism. Dhakal expressed his belief that if the message were communicated to Buddhists worldwide, encouraging them to visit Lumbini at least once, the resulting increase in tourist arrivals could transform the very landscape of Nepal’s tourism sector.
Furthermore, he urged the government to take concrete steps to fully operationalise both the Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport, which were constructed at a cost of billions yet are not yet fully functional. "The private sector has made significant investments recognising the potential of Gautam Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini, and its airport. However, with the airport not being fully operational, the risk of losing investment has increased. The same applies to Pokhara International Airport. The government needs to be acutely sensitive to this issue," he stated.
Dhakal further expressed the view that BITM will help extend the duration of visits by both domestic and international tourists in Lumbini, thereby establishing it as a key tourist destination. "Lumbini offers a spiritual ambience that is ideal for hosting meditation classes. In today’s fast-paced world, many people are seeking peace, mindfulness and a respite from daily stresses. Lumbini provides an exceptionally tranquil setting for health tourism. We can develop a range of wellness programmes," he added.
He also noted that airfares in Nepal are expensive and that the government’s imposition of VAT on tickets has only heightened their cost, urging a review of this policy.
Expressing the view that Nepal can be developed as a destination for wedding, meeting and conference tourism, the FNCCI President suggested that, with approximately 150 million Indian nationals entering the middle class in Nepal’s border areas, the current provision permitting Indian tourists to bring only INR 25,000 into Nepal should be revised. He proposed that Indian visitors should be allowed to bring up to $5,000 in currency, on a basis similar to that afforded to tourists from other nations.
Highlighting Nepal’s extensive tourism potential, He concluded that both the government and private sector could collaborate to capitalise on these opportunities, while also urging foreign investors to consider the significant prospects available in Nepal's tourism sector.
