Tourism infrastructure key to economic growth:  FNCCI President

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has said developing tourism infrastructure is necessary for the growth of tourism sector.

Speaking at 'Maghe Sankranti Mela 2081' and '30th annual ceremony of the Sikles Youth Club', held in Sikles village in Madi Rural Municipality-1 of Kaski district, under the slogan "Sikles Festival for Promotion of Rural Tourism," FNCCI President Dhakal stated that tourism is a crucial sector for economic development.

Dhakal highlighted the immense potential for tourism in Nepal and said tourism can make the country's overall economy more dynamic, create employment opportunities, and drive economic progress. He mentioned that a new cable car is under construction in Sikles, which will add a new dimension to the tourism infrastructure in the vicinity.

"The construction of the cable car will contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of this region and help promote tourism and economic growth," Dhakal said. He informed that the process for new cable car to be built from Sikles to Kori has been completed. He also commended the role of local youth club in preserving art and culture, and expressed his best wishes for its continued efforts.

Inaugurating the fair, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung stated that the government is always ready to support infrastructure development and other tourism initiatives, emphasising that tourism is a foundation for economic development.

Sikles village, predominantly inhabited by Gurung people, is located in Madi-1. The Annapurna and Lamjung Himalayan ranges can be seen from the village, which is located near Pokhara in the north-east of Kaski district.