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NTB forms Tourism Crisis Cell
KATHMANDU, JUL 21 -
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in coordination with the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), has constituted the Tourism Crisis Cell (TCC) to deal with untoward happenings and crisis management of tourists in the country.
Considering the occurrence of incidents like bandas and strikes and the safety and security of tourists during such unfortunate events, various travel and trade associations have decided to operate under a one-door policy and serve them through the TCC. The TCC will come into effect from Thursday.
The TCC has also unveiled hotline telephone and mobile numbers -- 4442555 and 9751044088 -- which visitors can call for assistance during times of crisis.
The TCC has urged both domestic and international visitors to dial these numbers if they are facing any type of political, social or environmental trouble. The HRA will play a leading role in the special crisis cell.
Organizing a press meet here on Wednesday, representatives from travel agencies, trekking agencies, tour operators and other travel and trade associations said that they would work together to reduce uncertainty, focusing attention on high-risk areas and proactively mitigating risks.
"With increasing crisis situations in the tourism sector, this proactive effort will be a milestone to cope with any kinds of crisis happening to visitors," said Prachanda Man Shrestha, chief executive officer of the NTB. He added that all the travel and trade entrepreneurs joining hands with their expertise would play a decisive role in making the project a success.
The special cell will coordinate with embassies and diplomatic missions, local police and other security agencies for rescue purposes, Shrestha said.
Arjun Prasad Sharma, president of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, said that they had decided to work through the one-door policy to expand coverage across the country. The NTB has so far been playing the role of crisis manager. It has been operating shuttle buses in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini for tourists during strikes, bandas and other disruptions.
Posted on: 2010-07-22 08:39
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