THT- Perspectives
April 24, 2016
Tourism struggling for revival

 
 Government has to walk the talk and develop infrastructure, enhance promotion and offer incentives to get tourism back on its feet again
Abhilasha Rayamajhi
Kathmandu
The tourism sector of Nepal was hit hard by the devastating earthquake last year followed by political problems and an economic blockade.
Tourists arrivals dropped by approximately 46 per cent as compared to the same period the previous year. In 2014 tourist arrivals by air were recorded at 652,655 which dropped to 300,325 in 2015/ 16. However, the industry now hopes to get back on track and looks forward to better days ahead.
Silver lining

 “ The previous two years were tragic for the entire tourism industry.Everest Avalanche, blizzards, earthquake, political unrest and the economic blockade adversely affected the entire industry,” says Pravesh Aryal, Executive Director of Hotel Association Nepal ( HAN). He says that the continuous series of natural disasters and economic crisis crushed the tourism industry of Nepal.
“ However, gradually the flow of tourists have increased. The occupancy rate of hotels has increased to 50 per cent which was hardly 20 to 30 per cent even three months ago. The occupancy rate of hotels during this period in 2014 was 80 to 85 per cent,” he adds. The tourism industry is now moving toward improvement and a revival phase.
He says, “ We are optimistic that till August, 2017 we will be on the path of recovery and in 2018 we shall operate in full swing.” “ The role of national and international media in tourism promotion revival
promotion is significant. Both national and international media have carried positive news about tourism in Nepal and it has helped the industry to rise again,” he says.
National Geographic Traveler Magazine and London based noted travel guide Rough Guides listed Nepal as a must- visit place in 2016.
Tapping the neighbourhood
 According to him, in order to increase tourist flow the government should focus on increasing tourists from neighbouring countries. “ Our focus is to attract Indian and Chinese tourists. The government has implemented free visa on arrival for Chinese tourists since January, 2016,” he says. The bilateral relationship between neighbouring countries must be strong in order to boost tourism, he points out.
“ We requested the government to promote Nepal’s tourism during his official visit to China. The government of China plays a vital role in influencing the general population,” he says. He continues, “ We share an open border with India so we are attracting Indian tourists by providing attractive tour packages to tour operators.” Promotions not enough Tej Bahadur Gurung, First Vice President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal ( TAAN) says, “ Just promoting Nepal as ‘ Once is not enough’ is not sufficient. The government must do more homework to explore new destinations and develop infrastructure.” Nepal holds enormous potential which is still not tapped. Tourists are attracted to the natural beauty and local products of Nepal. He explains that the industry can be revived and sustain in the long run if local people are trained and empowered to promote eco tourism.
Similarly, Madhusudhan Acharya, President of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents ( NATTA), says, “ The government has announced Ghumfir Barsa 2073 without any significant preparation.
It would have been the right move if enough planning and development had been done by the government.” “ The government has delayed reconstruction of heritage and trekking routes that were destroyed by the earthquake,” he says. He further adds that the private sector is ever ready and always working towards the development of the sector.
“ Most promotional activities are done at the initiation and cost of the private sector. The government is not serious about solving problems and issues of such an important sector,” he states. He mentions that it is already a year later and reconstruction is only limited to talk which has added to the woe of the entire industry.
Fighting for a favourable environment
“ We are not asking for any special provisions or facilities from the government for the development of tourism. Our only request to the government is to provide a favourable environment for us to run our businesses,” says Bhola Bikram Thapa, Managing Director, President Travel and Tours. He said that a number of travel agencies had to shut down during the economic crisis.
He says, “ Even though the distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara can be covered in four hours, it takes almost seven hours to reach due to the terrible condition of the road.” Tourism cannot prosper without the development of infrastructure in the country.
According to him expansion of airport and construction of roads is a must for the betterment of tourism in Nepal.
“ The European Commission ( EC) blacklisted Nepali airlines on December 5,2013 has a negative impact on the entire tourism industry. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal ( CAAN) must work to get Nepali Airlines out of this blacklist,” according to Ambica Shrestha, Senior Tourism Entrepreneur.
Tourism entrepreneurs say the government must take these concrete steps before promoting tourism at the international level.
Moreover, unexplored destinations such as Rara and Khaptap must be promoted as a tourist destinations according to them.
Tax holidays must be provided to local tourism entrepreneurs to help the industry revive. They opined that coherent policies based on realistic targets should be formed and implemented with the support of industry experts.