Western countries issue travel alerts to Nepal , travel organizations express concern
Travel BizNews ——————–
Kathmandu: Different countries including the USA, the UK, Australia and Canada have issued travel alerts to their citizens traveling to or living in Nepal to be cautious amid the upcoming Constituent Assembly (CA) election scheduled for November 19, 2013.
The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Nepal to the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections scheduled for November 19, 2013. The Travel Alert expires on December 19, 2013.
“Although most of the major political parties in Nepal are in agreement regarding the upcoming elections, some parties have declined to participate, and have indicated that they may seek to disrupt the election process. Accordingly, despite efforts by the Government of Nepal to ensure security during and in advance of elections, there is an increased risk of violence during “bandhs” (strikes that disrupt transportation and commercial activity), as well as at political rallies and demonstrations. The possibility of spontaneous protests during this and any election cycle remains,” the Department states.
The Department recommends that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nepal enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The US is the fourth largest tourist source market to Nepal. A total of 48,985 Americans visited Nepal in 2012.
Similarly, the UK, Canada and Australia have urged their citizens to be cautious while visiting Nepal keeping in view the political situation in Nepal.
Earlier, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Nepal Jamie McGoldrick , issuing a statement on behalf of international diplomatic community based in Nepal, called for respecting people’s right to cast their votes in the election independently.
The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) led 33 party alliance have proposed 10- day national strike and urged the people to boycott the election.
Meanwhile, Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), the umbrella association of leading tour operators in the country, expressed its concerns about the possible difficulties visiting tourists will have to face during 10-day nationwide strike beginning November 11, 2013.
The strike is called by the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) with the intention of disrupting the November 19 election to the Constituent Assembly (CA).
The NATO statement says , ” Although the election-opposing CPN-M does not have any plan to disturb the tourism industry, the bandh may hit this vulnerable sector hard during the peak tourist season. If the tourists happen to come across any problem during their trip, they will return home with a negative perception in their minds about Nepal as a tourist destination. And this will be a big setback for the country’s tourism industry in the long-run.”
NATO and other travel organizations have urged the agitating CPN-M to call off the strike and go for a peaceful means of protest to get its demands met. They have urged the concerned government authorities to make necessary arrangements for the smooth movement of tourists and their vehicles even during the time of election.
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has said there will be no inconvenience for tourists during the election as it would issue passes for tourist vehicles so that they can travel without hindrance.
