Nepali Ghar comes into operation

Kathmandu, May 30: Nepali Ghar, a handicrafted hotel, has come into operation in Thamel.

The hotel in a major touristic area in the capital was inaugurated by the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari amidst a programme on Wednesday.

Built in Nepali traditional architecture, Nepali Ghar has 34 deluxe rooms and 2 suites.

"The five storey tourist standard hotel is the presentation of Nepali art, culture and traditional structure. Carpets, curtains and other materials are made by Nepali women," said Raju Shrestha, Managing Director of the Hotel.

He said that the hotel would offer Nepali style hospitality to domestic and foreign tourists.

He also said that the improved security situation and energy supply has increased the confidence of businessmen.

"Government steps to create tourism infrastructure has motivated more investment in the sector. A successful business will benefit the society and country in multiple ways," he said.

Minister Adhikari said that the government would like to walk hand in hand with the private sector in developing the tourism sector.

"There will be no tourism and the Tourism Ministry without the private sector. We hope to develop the sector further in order to be ready to host about 2 million tourists by 2020," he said.

He urged the private sector in the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.

He said that the Bhairahawa airport would be completed by next year, and the government was in talks with India for the additional air routes.

"A high level technical team from India will come to Nepal in June to discuss about the additional air routes. I am hopeful that the issue will be resolved within a couple of months," said Adhikari.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Bhawani Rana said that the tourism sector could contribute to economic prosperity through employment.

He urge the government in promoting new destinations and offer incentives to tourism entrepreneurs to run hotels and other facilities in tourist locations in remote areas.

Published in The Rising Nepal Daily on 31 May 2018.