The 40th World Tourism Day was observed today across the country by organizing various events with the slogan ‘Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future for All’. On the occasion, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), in association with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), announced three new tourist destinations in the country as per the recommendation of Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal.
Chalis village located in the Rubi Valley rural municipality in Dhading district, Phaparkhet village located in the Kathekhola rural municipality in Baglung and Dhunsa at Phaktanglung rural municipality in Taplejung district has been introduced as new tourist destinations. State Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dhan Bahadur Budha handed over the certificates of new tourist destinations to the representatives from the selected rural municipalities.
Similarly, other organizations that have contributed to fostering Nepali tourism industry were awarded on the occasion.
State Minister Budha, Visit Nepal Year 2020 Campaign Coordinator Suraj Vaidhya, officials of NTB along with tourism entrepreneurs, various organizations and the general public took part in the rally organized to celebrate World Tourism Day.
Meanwhile, like every year hotels and resorts across the country gave special discounts to the tourists. Entrepreneurs welcomed tourists in different domestic airports and border areas today with special arrangements to celebrate World Tourism Day.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai sent best wishes message from Canada saying that the government is committed to developing the tourism industry aiming to generate employment and to contribute to the country’s economy. He assured to give priority to efficiently operate academic institutions for tourism and mountaineering, to construction and up-gradation of domestic and international airports and reconstruction of heritage sites. He vowed to improve the financial health of and services provided by national flag carrier and to provide secure services to tourists for their peaceful stay in Nepal.
Minister Bhattarai departed for Canada on September 22 to attend the 40th assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
World Tourism Day has been celebrated all over the world on September 27 since 1980 at the call of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Nepal has set a target to bring in two million foreign tourists by 2020 — the Visit Nepal Year.
