Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The government and the private sector have expressed collective solidarity to revive tourism in the country. During the discussion held here today at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and in coordination with the Nepal Tourism Board, the chiefs and representatives of the concerned organizations said that they would work together for the revival of tourism.

The participants said that the tourism sector has been moving ahead on the path of rehabilitation and progress despite the ‘Genji’ movement that has caused a big loss and challenge to Nepal’s tourism infrastructure.

Secretary at the Ministry Hari Prasad Mainali said the ministry was committed to removing policy-level hurdles so as to revive the tourism sector. “Immediate steps have been initiated to bring necessary reforms for the revival of the tourism sector,” he said. We are working to take the necessary initiatives to spread the message that Nepal is a safe destination abroad through improving Nepal’s image and maximum use of information technology. ’

Secretary Mainali also directed the authorities concerned to facilitate the safe mobility of the tourists arriving at Nepal, giving first priority to them. “This incident has taught us a lot. With the process of appointment of Prime Minister and cabinet expansion, a good message has reached the world. We are working with optimism. ’

Vice-Chairman of the Nepal Tourism Board, Ram Prasad Sapkota, said that the tourism package should be made public to make this season active. He said that it was necessary to give a message that Nepal is safe through its embassies, Non-Resident Nepalis and other networks.

Maniram Lamichhane, chief of Pokhara Tourism Board’s Pokhara Office, said that the tourism entrepreneurs based in Pokhara have been coordinating to collect details of loss and were ready to facilitate the tourists visiting Pokhara. He said, “Our trekking routes are safe. Easy movement to adventurous tourist destinations has also begun. Therefore, tourists visiting Pokhara will not have any problem, we are ready to facilitate them. ’

Binayak Shah, president of the Hotel Association of Nepal, said that despite the loss in the hotel business, there would be no shortage of welcome and hospitality services for the guests. “There has not been much impact on adventure tourism. The number of tourists is increasing as this area is safe,” he said.

Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) President Kumar Mani Thapaliya underscored the need to spread the message that Nepal is safe. He was of the view that works should be done to solve the long-term problems as natural disaster and current crisis are different.

Member of Nepal Tourism Board Rishi Bhandari said continuous efforts are needed for the revitalization of the tourism sector. “After every crisis, it takes five years to revive Nepal’s tourism. This time we should do exemplary work in a short period of time,” he said.

Board member and general secretary of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Narendra Dev Bhatta stressed on increasing coordination with Nepali embassies and foreign missions in Nepal to promote Nepal as a safe destination.

TAAN President Sagar Pandey and Kailash Tour Operators Association President Bimal Naharki stressed on the need of facilitating Kailash Yatra. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) held discussions with the representatives of the tourism bodies on Sunday as the situation returned to normal.

On the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Deepak Raj Joshi said that Nepal’s tourism sector has been resurrected despite the past disasters and crisis.

Similarly, the board also held discussion with chiefs, general managers and representatives of five-star and four-star hotels based in Nepal today. Hoteliers have said that they are ready to welcome the guests if the state has facilitated the discussions.

In course of these discussions, the government, tourism board and the private sector seemed to be unanimous in reviving tourism. The participants have pledged to take collective initiatives to turn existing challenges into opportunities and establish Nepal as a safe, attractive and convenient destination.