PALPA, Oct 22: Committing themselves to promote tourism, Nepalis living in the United States have launched an online service to recommend and endorse popular tourism destinations and activities in Nepal.
Nepali youths in Virginia launched journep.com about a week ago. The website basically aims to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011.
Rajesh Hamal, the popular movie star, unveiled the website amid a function. Finance Minister Surendra Pandey, Finance Secretary Rameshwore Khanal and Nepali ambassador to the US Dr Shankar Sharma were present on the occasion.
Finance Minister Pandey lauded the efforts of Journep Inc, the company that launched the new site and is promoted by Nepali youths. “Promotional efforts by Nepalis residing abroad carry special weight and meaning. The initiative taken by Journep Inc. is praiseworthy,” he said.
Addressing a function attended by some 1,200 Nepalis working and studying in the US, Pandey also highlighted problems facing the Nepali economy. He appealed to non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) scattered in different parts of the world to invest back in the home country and work as goodwill ambassadors for tourism, investment and business opportunities in Nepal.
“The Nepali economy is currently not in a good shape. But with combined effort by all, we can make it better,” he said, trying to send a positive message to Nepalis living across the globe.
Sudhir Regmi, president of Journep Inc., said meanwhile that the website will encourage Nepalis as well as foreigners to travel to Nepal, especially during NTY 2011. “Through the online service, we will facilitate their travel with airline ticketing, tour and hotel bookings and recommendations on restaurants and trips that should not be missed,” he said.
The website will also help tourists eager to go trekking by informing them about tourist guides and appropriate service providers, among other things.
The company has opened contact offices in Kathmandu, Chitwan and Myagdi districts to promote specific tourism destinations and facilitate establishment of direct business links between travelers and service providers, Regmi told Republica.
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