Minister Pandey stresses private sector's role in tourism industry prosperity

KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the tourism industry.

During a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, Minister Pandey revealed that the Tourism Ministry has already held two meetings aimed at integrating the three levels of government in the development of the tourism sector. He further mentioned that preparations are underway for broader discussions to address issues within the tourism industry, including airline services. "We are evaluating the situation for the regular operation of Pokhara and Gautam Buddha international airports," he added.

Minister Pandey also informed the committee that the drafting of the tourism culture policy is in its final stage, and the Civil Aviation Bill has already been approved by the Council of Ministers.

Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Secretary, Ganesh Prasad Pandey, stated that limited resources have hindered the MoCTCA's ability to meet expectations.

In the meeting, chaired by Committee President Raj Kishor Yadav, former Prime Minister and Committee member Madhav Kumar Nepal emphasised the importance of completing the project to build Nijgadh International Airport. He urged the government to seek investors for the construction of the airport.

Other attendees included lawmakers Prabhu Sah, Dhawal Shumsher JB Rana, Bhim Prasad Acharya, Sudan Kirati, Sunita Baral, Prem Suwal, and Yogesh Gauchan Thakali.