Editorial»
Countdown begins
JUL 26 -
Nepal Tourism Year 2011 is rapidly approaching:
only five short months left to go. And after all the hoopla and flag waving at the inauguration of the event in February, time to prepare the country to accommodate the anticipated influx of one million tourists is quickly running out. The Nepal Tourism Board has been hard at work developing new travel destinations through niche tours and, starting August 17, the short-term government policy for homestays will go into effect, providing a boost to new and underdeveloped areas of interest. Advertisements for Nepal can be seen plastered across international media, and the Nepal Pavilion in Shanghai will most certainly draw the attention of its over 30,000 visitors a day as well as the growing Chinese market. But despite an ambitious marketing campaign abroad and the development of additional destinations at home, little serious consideration has been given to developing the long list of infrastructure improvements Nepal needs to be a good host.
At the top of that list is Tribhuvan International Airport. Renegotiation of Air Service Agreements with existing international carriers as well as approval of new international flights is set to enhance the potential of incoming flights to near 40,000 seats a week. But the out-of-date airport is ill equipped to handle this volume of traffic: not only the increased number of airplanes fighting for space on the tarmac, but also the heavy passenger congestion inside the terminal. Long lines and frequent hassles leave a bad first impression. Though the initial phase of the ADB-funded TIA revamp is slated over the next five years, some major steps still need to be taken to ensure that visitors during this crucial year don’t leave the airport with a sour taste in their mouth.
The true mark of a healthy tourism industry is its ability to provide peace of mind and security to the country’s guests, something that seems to be progressing. The restoration of several popular historical landmarks will provide tourists with some visible assurance that their entrance fees and any monetary contributions are being properly allocated. And the recent agreement between the government and the Himalayan Rescue Association to establish and manage the new Tourism Crisis Cell will go far in addressing the security needs of tourists. The centre, whose services will include shuttles for tourists stranded during strikes as well as a 24-hour crisis hotline, is a welcome idea. Working with a private organisation experienced in catering to the needs of tourists will certainly enhance its value, and creation of a special cell to coordinate rescue efforts is much needed to help ensure the safety of trekkers. But, as with all government projects, the effectiveness of the centre hinges on the government’s commitment to its longevity.
Before the red carpet is rolled out for NTY 2011, there is still much work left to be done. Aside from the cursory
need to clean up Kathmandu’s streets inundated with
garbage and pollution, the question of tourist security underlines the need for political stability.
Posted on: 2010-07-27 08:30
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