November 2: The government is preparing to open all sectors associated with the tourism industry by maintaining standard health protocols. The government has already opened doors for trekking and mountaineering since October 17 and has not decided to take a step further by opening other sectors of tourism industry amid Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai said during a Webinar organised by Nepal Mountaineering Association on the occasion of its 47th anniversary that there is no alternative to gradually reopening the tourism sector despite the risk of Covid-19 infection. He further said that the government is preparing to open all the sectors associated with the tourism industry by strictly implementing health protocols. Minister Bhattarai added that the proposal will be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval soon.
He informed that the tourists will be allowed to enter Nepal on condition that they abide by health and safety standards. According to the minister, Kuwait’s prince is preparing to visit Nepal soon for mountain expedition. The government has already announced on-arrival visas for foreign tourists visiting Nepal in groups provided that they stay in quarantine for seven days.
During the Webinar, NMA Chairman Santabir Lama said that the employees associated to the mountaineering sector have been struggling to make ends meet due to the effects of Covid-19. He also urged the government to set up a basket fund to support them during the current crisis.
General Secretary of NMA Kul Bahadur Gurung pointed out to the need of concessional loan and relief to the entrepreneurs involved in the tourism sector.
Likewise, President of TAAN Khum Bahadur Subedi said that the government must bring additional relief packages to revitalize the tourism industry that has been badly affected by the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Stakeholders are preparing to organize a nationwide cycle tour from Mechi to Mahakali from November 2 to promote the tourism industry. Renowned cyclist Pushkar Shah will be leading the tour, informed Nepal Tourism Board.
