NATO AGM : Stress on Investment in tourism infrastructure
TBN Report ———-
Kathmandu: Tourism entrepreneurs and experts have stressed on more investment in tourism infrastructure for overall development of tourism industry in the country.
Addressing a function organized by Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), the speakers urged the government to invest in tourism related infrastructures in major destinations of the country.
Executive Director of Hotel Shangri-La and former chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter Prabin B. Pandey , presenting paper on ” Investment in Tourism Infrastructure : Prospects and Challenges ” said that the problems concerning accessibility , limited air connectivity, weak national carrier, aviation safety ,pollution and lack of infrastructures in areas of tourist attractions needs to be solved to attract more tourists .
Former CEO of Nepal Tourism Board Prachand Man Shrestha stressed on dynamism in repositioning brand ,destination marketing and more investment on infrastructure development for betterment of the tourism sector.
Similarly, Amar Bahadur Shahi ,General Secretary of NATO, presenting paper on ‘Wild West of Nepal ‘ highlighted on major tourist attractions of the region and urged the stakeholders to invest for development of tourism in the far west.
Ashok Pokharel , President of Nepal Association of Tour Operators , urged the government to solve the problems faced by the private sector .
On the occasion, NATO Secretary Suraj Lamichhane emphasized on building necessary infrastructure in least developed regions of the country.
Earlier, the President, General Secretary and Treasurer of NATO presented their reports at the 12th Annual General Meeting of Nepal Association of Tour Operators.
Travel and tourism sector accounts for 3.42 percent of GDP and more than Rs 150 billion has so far been invested in the sector generating 300 thousand jobs. Nepal plans to welcome 2 million tourists by 2020.
November 22, 2014
