KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism sector has faced hard time during the lockdown bearing the loss of 34 billion.

It is estimated to be Rs. 41 billion by July 22.

A joint study committee of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board, formed to assess the loss in the tourism and aviation sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had estimated that the sectors in the country are losing Rs. 10 billion every month.

“So far the country has lost Rs. 34 billion in aviation and tourism sectors and by 22 July, additional Rs. 7 billion would be lost,” Yogesh Bhattarai,  Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said.

He said that some relief measures like refinancing, concessional loan and extension of VAT payment period had been announced while a request was sent to the government for 75 per cent discount on aircraft parking charges and 50 per cent discount in licenses and renewal fee.

“Similarly, discounts are announced in demurrage charges and Rs. 200 million budget is provided to support the concept of rehabilitation and sustainable tourism,” said Rudra Singh Tamang, spokesperson at the Ministry.

Minister Bhattarai said that the pandemic had hit hard the Rs. 1 trillion investment in the tourism sector while 800,000 people directly or indirectly employed in the sector are affected.

Tourism sector had employed 250,000 people in pre-coronavirus period.