Ministry of Commerce And Supplies - Enhanced Integrated ...

N T I S201013. TOURISMStrengthsNatural endowmentsAttractive trekking areasRich in religious and cultural tourismService-oriented and courteous peopleInnovative services and long experience of sometravel operatorsOpportunitiesExpansion of air links due to liberalization and betterinfrastructureDiscovery and launching of new trekking routes,especially in western NepalAttracting Indian and Chinese tourists in other tourismactivities as wellWeaknesses Poor infrastructure, including electricity supply Insufficient and substandard airport infrastructure Weak national flag carrier Insufficient air capacity, both international anddomestic (domestic mainly for trekkers) Shortage of professional and skilled human resourcesThreats Political instability and unfavourable travel advisories Internal disturbances such as strikes, bandhas, etc. Banks reluctant to invest in tourism sector due topolitical instability Deteriorating infrastructure Brain drain of qualified human resourcesActionsInfrastructure and Core Services Reinstate peace and security in the country. This is the number one requirement, especiallyin view of the forthcoming Nepal 2011 Tourism Year (eight 4-star hotels shut down during theconflict). Improve roads linking Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara, the four main touristdestinations in the country. Improve airport infrastructure, including at TIA in Kathmandu and at airports in Pokhara andBhairahawa. Improve communication infrastructure and provide 24-hour banking and medical services inChitwan and Pokhara. Introduce an open sky policy to invite larger number of domestic and international airlines. Promote community-based rural tourism.Market Access and Market Development Provide necessary incentives for the establishment of educational and training institutes for thesector. Improve branding and marketing of Nepal as a tourist destination, including by involvingNepalese missions abroad in promotion campaigns. Encourage cross-border tourism, including improvement in border immigration for increasedinflow of tourists from India and China (strengthened negotiations with the Chinese authoritiesmight be required). Chinese tourists face problems at Kodari border now and then. Openadditional entry points in Jhulaghat and Baitadi. Reduce bureaucratic requirements for tourism entrepreneurs and tourists. Review the very high mountaineering royalties instituted by the GoN to climb Himalayan peaks.For instance, the US$50,000 fee per party to climb Mt. Everest has encouraged parties to climbfrom the Chinese side. Amend the now-defunct Hotel and Restaurant Act 2036 (1980).284NEPAL TRADE INTEGRATION STRATEGY 2010BACKGROUND REPORT