GCN, Impact Adventure discuss accessible tourism with British television presenter Sophie Morgan

KATHMANDU: Global Compact Nepal (GCN), in collaboration with Impact Adventure, organised an interaction programme on accessible tourism in Kathmandu on Friday. Participants called for greater efforts to make Nepal a more accessible and resilient destination for persons with disabilities.

The programme, titled "Opening Nepal to All: A Conversation on Accessible Tourism", brought together representatives from the tourism, hospitality, business, development and disability inclusion sectors. It focused on improving accessibility across travel, hospitality, infrastructure and tourism experiences.

The event featured British television presenter, travel writer and artist Sophie Morgan, who shared experiences from her recent journey across Nepal and discussed opportunities and challenges related to accessibility in the country's tourism sector.

Morgan said progress had been made in improving accessibility within Nepal's tourism sector, while noting that travellers with disabilities still face barriers throughout their journeys. She said Nepal's airport is, in some respects, more accessible than airports in several developed countries through which she has travelled.

"The warmth and welcoming nature of people in Nepal play a significant role in making accessibility better, often compensating for gaps in physical infrastructure," she said.

During a question-and-answer session, Morgan said persons with disabilities should be treated no differently from anyone else, and that genuine inclusion means being seen and treated as equals.

Speaking at the event, Krishna Bikram Shah, Executive Director of GCN, highlighted the importance of tourism to Nepal's economy and livelihoods. Referring to the recent floods in Nepal's mountain regions, he stressed the need for climate-resilient tourism and said accessibility should be integrated into resilience planning.

British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn reaffirmed the British Embassy's engagement with GCN and the private sector on disability inclusion. He also referred to the recent floods and said the embassy remained ready to support Nepal during such challenges.

Pankaj Pradhananga, founder of Impact Adventure, shared experiences from a recent trip to Mustang with Morgan and spoke about efforts to promote accessible tourism in Nepal. The programme also included a visual presentation highlighting moments from the journey.

In his closing remarks, GCN President Samir Thapa said accessibility should be viewed as an opportunity rather than solely as a responsibility. He reiterated the organisation's commitment, through the Nepal Business and Disability Network, to turning discussions on inclusion into practical action.

GCN said it continues to work with the private sector through the Nepal Business and Disability Network to identify and address barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

According to the organisers, around 50 participants attended the programme at Hyatt Centric in Soalteemode, Kathmandu. The event highlighted the need for continued collaboration among businesses, tourism stakeholders and organisations working on disability inclusion to make Nepal a more accessible and resilient destination.