At SOTTO's 18th AGM, entrepreneurs urge govt not to change tourism policy on a whim

KATHMANDU: Tourism entrepreneurs have urged the government not to make sudden changes to tourism policy.

Speakers at the 18th annual general meeting of the Society of Travel and Tour Operators Nepal (SOTTO) on Saturday said that frequent or impulsive changes to rules and regulations could harm the sector.

SOTTO President Man Bahadur Shahi said, “Nepal’s tourism sector is filled with immense potential.” He highlighted the country’s mountains, hills, Tarai, diverse culture, heritage, adventure, religious tourism, and rural attractions as assets that give Nepal a special position in the global market. “Efforts should be focused on utilising these assets,” he said, urging coordinated action between the government, private operators and local communities to convert potential into growth.

Referring to recent political developments, SOTTO President Man Bahadur Shahi said the formation of a stable government after the Gen Z protest has created hope and trust. “The government should adopt long-term policies to resolve sectoral issues,” he added.

Immediate Past President Bhuwan Bahadur Pandey warned that tourism policies and rules “should not be implemented or removed based on whims” and urged policymakers to consider the long-term effects of any measures. He also called for greater cooperation from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in promotion efforts.

Likewise, Former SOTTO President Yam Bahadur Khadka drew attention to challenges faced by small entrepreneurs, particularly value-added tax (VAT) issues, and urged the government to find solutions.

Similarly, NTB Senior Manager Suman Ghimire said the current global situation, including developments in the Middle East, “presents both challenges and opportunities” and encouraged entrepreneurs to explore new directions. He added, “SOTTO’s programmes will be included in the upcoming NTB budget.”

Other SOTTO leaders, including 1st Vice President Dinesh Basnet, General Secretary Kumar Parajuli and Treasurer Madhusudan Nepal, stressed that tourism remains a foundation of the national economy and called for new strategies to promote both domestic and international travel. The AGM concluded with the release of point-by-point strategies to promote overlooked destinations and boost tourism publicity.