Tourism activities with health safety suggested

Kathmandu, Jan. 9

 The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has held discussions with organisations and individuals concerned with the tourism sector as the transmission of the new variant Omicron of COVID-19 is on the rise.

On the occasion, private sector organisations and tourism entrepreneurs have suggested making tourism viable with adherence to health and safety protocols.

They have also urged the government not to take a sudden decision to shut the businesses and restrict the activities. They said that tourism had collapsed in the past due to the sudden shutdown announced in the wake of COVID-19 contagion.

In response, Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, Chief Executive Officer of the NTB, said that the Board was conducting various programmes in the past despite the infection of COVID-19 and limited resources. He further added that the programme was organised as the suggestions of the private sector were needed in the context of the rising new infections.

Achyut Guragai, President of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, said that there was no alternative to booster vaccine against the pandemic and make tourism viable by adhering to health standards.

Tourism entrepreneur Vijay Amatya suggested the NTB to change the market strategy considering the condition of COVID-19. Similarly, Dambar Parajuli, President of Expedition Operators Association, said that criteria should be formulated to invite tourists, however, there shouldn’t be any constraints after their arrival in Nepal. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 10 January 2022.