KATHMANDU, Sept 16: The government, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and private sector stakeholders have pledged collective efforts to revive the country’s tourism industry, which has faced severe setbacks following the recent Gen-Z movement.
In a series of meetings held at NTB, officials and representatives of tourism-related associations assessed the damage to Nepal’s tourism infrastructure but concluded that the sector is on a recovery path.
Tourism Secretary and NTB Chairperson Hari Prasad Mainali said the ministry is committed to removing policy hurdles and initiating reforms. “We have already started efforts to revive tourism. Alongside improving Nepal’s image, we are using information technology to promote Nepal as a safe destination,” he said. He also directed relevant agencies to prioritize tourists’ safety and facilitate smooth travel.
NTB Vice-Chairperson Ram Prasad Sapkota called for the launch of new tourism packages to attract visitors and stressed the importance of spreading the message that Nepal is safe through embassies, non-resident Nepali networks, and other channels.
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Similarly, NTB’s Pokhara office chief Maniram Lamichhane said coordination is underway with local entrepreneurs to assess damages. He assured that trekking routes and adventure destinations remain safe and that necessary facilitation for tourists in Pokhara has already begun.
Hotel Association Nepal President Binayak Shah said hotels remain committed to hospitality despite damages. “Adventure tourism has largely remained unaffected, and tourist numbers are gradually increasing,” he added.
Tour operators also emphasized the need to promote safety. Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) President Kumaramani Thapaliya said the current crisis is different from natural disasters and requires long-term strategies.
Tourism Board member Rishiram Bhandari stressed the importance of faster recovery: “In the past, it has taken five years for Nepal’s tourism to rebound after crises. This time, we must work for quicker recovery.”
NTB member and PATA Nepal General Secretary Narendradev Bhatt highlighted the need to coordinate with Nepali embassies abroad and foreign missions in Nepal to ensure tourist safety. Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) President Sagar Pandey and Kailash Tour Operators Association President Bimal Naharki called for facilitation of Kailash tours.
NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi reminded stakeholders that Nepal’s tourism has always bounced back from past disasters. “We must confidently promote Nepal’s tourist sites and ensure safety, working closely with state agencies,” he said.
On Monday, NTB also met with representatives of four- and five-star hotels, where hoteliers assured they are prepared to welcome guests if the state ensures smooth travel and stay arrangements.
The meetings ended with a unified commitment from the government, NTB, and the private sector to turn current challenges into opportunities and reposition Nepal as a safer, more attractive, and tourist-friendly destination.
