KATHMANDU: The government has opened new trekking routes — Paachpokhari Kunda Trekking Trail in Sindhupalchowk, Nagi Narchang Trekking Trail in Myagdi and Dhorpatan Trekking Trail in Baglung — on the occasion of 31st World Tourism Day today.
Sarat Singh Bhandari, minister for tourism and civil aviation unveiled new trekking trails in Sindhupalchowk, Myagdi and Baglung here today during the programme to celebrate the World Tourism Day.
"We are going to start economic revolution on January 14 that is the day scheduled for official launch of Nepal Tourism Year 2011,” Bhandari, said, highlighting requirement of accessibility to new tourist destinations and create awareness about the tourism and its benefits. "The main aim of NTY 2011 is to establish tourism as the main source of economy," he said, adding that it’s not just a campaign for tourism entrepreneurs but beneficial for all the Nepalis. "Through the tourism year we can together rebrand Nepal's image in the international market."
Similarly, Prachanda Man Shrestha, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said that 'Eco Community Tourism' is the new tourism product that will lure more tourists. "In the Eco Community Tourism 100 per cent of the net profit will go to support the community," he said, adding that tourism in Nepal started with Nature based tourism, Eco Tourism, Village Tourism and now it has to be developed as 'Community Tourism'.
On the occasion of World Tourism Day. the ministry also awarded hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Jaya Travels and Tour and Himalaya Expedition for their contributions in the promoting hotel, travel and tours, and trekking business.
The ministry along with NTB celebrated 31st World Tourism Day 2010 organising various programmes today with the global theme, 'Tourism and Biodiversity'. To mark World Tourism Day, free entrance facility was also arranged to all the tourists and Nepali guides at all the museums in the country; and booklets, posters and stickers with the slogan of 'Tourism and Biodiversity' were distributed at all the tourism offices, tourism related associations and establishments.
Essay competition among MoTCA staff, interaction on 'Role of Civil Aviation in Tourism,' Destination Bandipur at Kathmandu, Deepawali at central office, member hotels/restaurants of Tara Gaon Development Board, Placement of Banners with UNWTO slogan, 20 per cent discount on food and 75 per cent discount on accommodation, and documentary screening about Home Stay Villages of Nepal were also organised to mark the day.
Similarly, Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC) organised 'Thamel Street Carnival 2010'. The festival is targeted to promote domestic and international tourism in Thamel. The event has expected a crowd of 300,000 during the 'Thamel Street Carnival 2010'. The first tourists coming from the first flights -- at the Tribhuwan International Airport and Pokhara Airport -- were also felecitated today. |
