Tourism sector awaits proper incentives

The government has been suggested to provide incentives to boost the tourism sector.

The report, prepared by the High Level Committee under the coordination of secretary at the prime minister’s office Lila Mani Poudel, includes suggestions from various tourism entrepreneurs, condition of world tourism market in 2010, world tourist arrivals, total tourist nights, and tourist arrivals in Nepal from 1962 to 2011.

The report also includes issues related to different charges and taxes in the tourism sector and the overall condition of Nepal in the World Tourism Competitive Index 2011. Nepal ranks 112 out of 139 countries in the World Tourism Competitive Index 2011.

The report has recommended the government to focus on proper infrastructure development and law and order. “Nepal though well ranked in the world tourism market, still needs to develop its quality and become more competitive,” states the report. The committee submitted the final report to prime minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai to establish the tourism sector as a national priority industry.

On March 30, it had submitted the final report based on the survey made by entrepreneurs and associations in the eastern, western and far-western development regions, and Kathmandu. The ministerial council meeting in September 2011 had formed a 13-member High Level Committee to study the overall scenario of tourism in the country and submit a report with recommendations regarding the improvements and facilities required.

source: The Himalayan Times, 22 April 2012