KATHMANDU: The government has unveiled its ambitious plan to elevate Nepal into a leading and enticing tourist destination.

This announcement was made in the government’s policies and programs for the fiscal year 2081/081, unveiled on Tuesday by President Ram Chandra Paudel during a joint session of the Federal Parliament.

The blueprint outlines meticulous strategies for profiling tourist sites, their identification, development, and subsequent promotion.

President Paudel, while presenting the policies and programs, highlighted the recent surge in tourist arrivals to Nepal, noting a commendable extension in their stays.

In 2023, Nepal welcomed over a million foreign tourists, surpassing the government’s target for the year.

Despite the setbacks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal has witnessed a consistent rise in foreign tourist arrivals, with April 2024 alone recording over 111,000 visitors.

In a bid to bolster the tourism sector comprehensively, the policy has underscored the imperative of prioritizing tourism infrastructure alongside the revitalization of promotional programs.

The document also articulated a commitment to developing Nepal’s accessibility infrastructure, particularly in mountainous regions, to harness local resources and foster employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the policy has pledged to court international film producers, particularly from Hollywood and Bollywood, to shoot in Nepal, thus catalyzing film tourism.

Automation of the mountaineering permit system and the expansion of tourism infrastructure, including dedicated rescue centers, are also highlighted as pivotal initiatives.

Addressing aviation concerns, the government has vowed to modernize air policies and regulations to ensure safety and accessibility.

Upgrading domestic and international airports, notably Pokhara and Bhairahawa, and expanding the international market for Nepali airlines are among the key objectives outlined in the policies and programs.

Furthermore, the government has envisioned accelerating the construction of the Bhanu Literary Park at Chundi Ramgha, birthplace of revered poet Bhanu Bhakta, along with statues and Saptadham of eminent Nepali language-speaking authors.