Nepal PM sweeps road to launch major tourism campaign
Sunday - 10th October 2010
Shirish B Pradhan
Kathmandu, Oct 8 (PTI) Nepal has launched the 100 days count down of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 to spread the message among foreign visitors that they will find the city clean and healthy.
Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal launched the campaign by sweeping the road at Basantapur Durbarsquare, the ancient temple complex of Kathmandu.
Nepal is showcasing the 200 year old Narayanhity Palace turned museum, where the infamous royal massacre took place in 2001 to lure international visitors during the Nepal Tourism Year.
� Tourism Minister Sharad Singh Bhandari officially launched the 100 days count down campaign amidst a function in the premises of the Narayanhity Palace Museum.
Nepal which aims to attract one million tourists in 2011 to boost its ailing tourism industry suffered badly during the decade long insurgency.
� The Narayanhity Palace Museum, which has a Hitler gifted car as one of the attractions, will be promoted as a major tourist destination in the country, senior director of Nepal Tourism Board Subhash Niraula said.
The museum also showcases valuable jewelleries, tiger skin, royal dresses, medals, decorations, and a crown.
Although the Tribhuvan sadan building where the royal massacre took place has already been dismantled, the place has been marked to recall the massacre.
The Museum was used as Royal Palace by Shah dynasty for about two hundred years till June 2008 before the last King Gyanendra exited from the palace.
Nepal will also upgrade the Tribhuvan International Airport to make hassle free movement for tourists in all major land route check points, clean major tourist venues and improve security to increase tourist inflow.
� Spa and wellness tourism, village tourism, community based eco-trek and home stay are also being promoted for tourism promotion.
Nepal is to officially inaugurate Nepal Tourism Year 2011 on January 14 when a grand function will be held at Dasharath Stadium where over two dozen Tourism Ministers of Asia are expected to gather.
