HAN asks ministry to implement suggestion

Hotel Association Nepal has urged the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to implement the suggestions of the high level committee.

The high level committee — formed by prime minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai to study the facilities required for developing tourism sector — had recommended on providing the sector a national priority industry status, and a gamut of other recommendations, but they have not yet been implemented, said hotel entrepreneurs. During a meeting, president of Hotel Association Nepal Shyam Sundar Lal Kakshapati urged tourism secretary Yagya Prasad Gautam to focus on the effective implementation of the suggestions of the high level committee.

Kakshapati also informed about various issues of the tourism industry. According to hotel entrepreneurs, the ministry should lobby for a clear decision from the government regarding the operation of hotels and resorts in Chitwan National Park. “The government has not given any specific decision about the operation of hotels and resorts within Chitwan National Park,” said Kakshapati.

According to hoteliers, government can renew lease agreement and allow the operation of the hotels and resorts with special rules and regulations.

During the meeting, they also discussed about the need of the Pokhara Regional International Airport for the overall development of tourism in the country. Representatives from HAN also informed tourism secretary about the need to appoint a CEO at NTB.

source: The Himalayan Times,22 August 2012