KATHMANDU: The government is set to organize travel marts in all the seven states to revive the most-affected tourist areas due to the COVID-19.

The Nepal Tourism Board has included such a plan in its annual policy, program and budget.

The Board believes that such a mart will be important to highlight the tourism potential of the provinces and market it as a tourist product.

The board has allocated a budget of Rs 2 million for the current fiscal year to be spent on each travel mart.

The board expects the mart helps to attract internal and external tourists. These marts will be organized in coordination with the province government and the province tourism ministry.

Province No. 1: East Travel Mart

Province No. 2: Mithila Travel Mart

Bagmati: Bagmati Travel Mart

Province No. 5: Lumbini Travel Mart

Karnali : Karnali Travel Mart

Far West: West Travel Mart

Half a dozen marts and summits in the center

This year, about half a dozen marts and summits will be organized at the central level as well.

Himalayan Travel Mart, Buddhist International Travel Mart, Everest Summit, Religious Tourism Summit, Heritage, Art and Culture Tourism Mart will be organized this year to keep the tourism sector alive.