Inter-ministerial coordination essential for tourism development: Minister Paudel

KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel has said inter-ministerial coordination is essential to make Nepal’s tourism development initiatives result-oriented.

Speaking at an event organised by the ministry to mark the 47th World Tourism Day, Minister Paudel emphasised the need for cooperation between government bodies, capacity building within tourism institutions and ongoing collaboration with the private sector to advance the sector effectively.

He said tourism cannot be driven by a ministry alone and outlined the government’s plan to enhance the capacity of tourism-related institutions, stressing the importance of strengthening institutional capability and service delivery to meet a changing tourism landscape.

Paudel said Nepal’s indigenous culture, traditions and community festivals are vital pillars of tourism and should be preserved and promoted alongside development efforts. He also called for the sustainable use and conservation of Himalayan heritage.

Santosh Pant, acting CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, urged that lessons from the Bhotekoshi floods be incorporated into the sector’s planning, with greater use of digital technology. Andrew Jones, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Foundation, pledged the foundation’s continued support for the recovery of Nepal’s tourism sector after the floods and highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital media in supporting nature-based tourism.

By RSS