August 16: Stakeholders associated with the tourism sector have urged the government to lift a ban on flights and to reopen the hotel industry by preparing a proper work plan.

The government had earlier decided to reopen hotels and restaurants from July 30 and allow air service from August 17 but later revoked the decision due to rise in cases of coronavirus in recent days.

Although other businesses have resumed operation, those associated with the tourism sector are yet to reopen.

Altogether 21 organisations has drawn the government’s attention to create a conducive environment for reopening the tourism industry from September 1.

They have also warned of protest if the government further extends the date for reopening the tourism industry.

The 21 organisations include Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) among others.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers last week had decided to extend the ban on operation of hotels and long-distance vehicles till September 1. However, tourism entrepreneurs complain that the government did not let them resume their service despite fulfilling all the protocols set by the government.