Govt to introduce new tourism policy with focus on public private partnership

KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to implement a new tourism policy aimed at the holistic development of Nepal’s tourism sector, announced Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey.

Speaking at an event commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Nepal Tourism Board on Tuesday, Minister Pandey revealed that the new policy will provide a framework to guide the tourism industry and foster sustainable growth.

Minister Pandey emphasized the importance of operating the Nepal Tourism Board under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to effectively harness resources and expertise from both sectors.

“Unity, tolerance, and harmony within our country’s multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, and multicultural diversity are our strengths. Developing the tourism sector by preserving this diversity is the need of the hour,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to boosting tourism, Pandey announced the initiation of a “Tourism Decade” starting January 1, 2025.

This decade-long campaign will aim to attract more international visitors and promote Nepal’s unique cultural and geographical offerings globally.

The announcement comes as Nepal’s tourism sector continues to recover from the impacts of the Covid pandemic, with increasing efforts to revitalize and enhance its appeal to global travelers.