January 20: Tourism entrepreneurs have requested the government to revive the hospitality business as well as hotel industry that have been badly affected by coronavirus.

Stakeholders made such request on Tuesday (January 19) during a discussion attended by Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, Tourism Minister Bhanubhakta Dhakal and Finance Secretary Sishir Dhungana.

They told the ministers and government representatives that the special relief packages introduced by the government has not been effectively implemented and urged them to implement the packages immediately.

President of Hotel Association of Nepal Shreejana Rana requested the government to immediately provide relief to the most-affected businesses.

They also requested the government for extension of business continuity loan and discount on electricity demand charge.

The tourism entrepreneurs and hoteliers also reminded the government about is plan to extend government holiday during weekend to promote internal tourism, which is still pending.

Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel said that the government is committed to provide necessary assistance to revitalize the tourism sector.

 Stating that the government has already announced relief programmes, Finance Minister Poudel said that emphasis would now be laid on effective implementation of the plans and programmes.

Similarly, Tourism Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal informed that the ministry has held discussions with stakeholders to resolve the problems faced by the tourism industry.