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Year of reckoning
JUL 28 -
Nepal is endowed with huge potentialities for its development into one of the world’s premier tourism destinations. This is due to its topographical heterogeneity, natural bio-diversity, cultural heritage, historical monuments, magnificent long-range mountains, Mt. Everest, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and many other unique features. Nepal offers multiple choices to its visitors: from mountaineering to trekking, rafting to hot-air ballooning, bungee jumping to paragliding. The two mega national events—Visit Nepal-1998 and Nepal Destination Year-2003—have already been successfully organised in Nepal to promote Nepal’s tourism sector as well as to contribute in its socio-economic development - although the desired results could not be attained because of the insurgency.
Nepal has recently acquired some semblance of peace and internal instability. However, it is not completely peaceful, nor has it achieved a desirable level of political stability. Considering this, the government has already declared Nepal Tourism Year (NTY)-2011 for promotion of Nepal’s tourism sector.
The Nepali tourism sector has been contributing meaningfully to the national economy. However, it has not been fully developed. The contribution of the tourism sector in the national GDP is 2.3 percent while the total foreign currency earning from tourism stands at 6.7 percent according to the National Economic Survey-2008/09. It is further providing direct employment to more than 80,000 Nepalis.
Tourism activities have been primarily concentrated on certain areas for a long time—Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Mt. Everest, Manang, Mustang etc. Diversification is needed to bring in more foreign currency, to balance regional development, for equitable distribution of benefits as well as to prolong the stay of tourists. In this context, the Khaptad region, Ramaroshan in Achham, and Sowargadawari of Puythan are some highly attractive and high potential tourist destinations for expansion and development of new tourism areas. These places are not only endowed with natural beauty, historical monuments and religious and cultural uniqueness, but their development as tourist destinations is also important for uplifting people’s socio-economic condition in the regions.
Nepal Tourism Year (NTY)-2011 cannot be considered a successful national event until it is expanded to include rural areas and the rural poor benefit from the national campaign. Furthermore, the participation and support of the rural population is highly essential to make this event meaningful. Collaboration, cooperation and effective coordination between government and the private sector are imperative for the success of this programme.
The linkage tourism programme is also an important aspect to further attract tourists during the campaign period. China’s Tibet autonomous region, India and Sri Lanka, which are similar to Nepal in many religious, cultural, tradition and geographical aspects, are the most viable destinations to launch tourism linkage programmes. Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong could also be considered to boost Nepal’s tourism industry. But as I said earlier, sincere effort is needed from the both the public and private sector. The government, as well as Non Residential Nepalis (NRN), has the further responsibility of mobilising its diplomatic missions with clear guidelines and direction. Only then will NTY-2011’s aim of attracting one million visitors come true. The development of tourism activities for NTY-2011 also has the potential to provide equitable economic opportunities for all in the changing historical context.
Nepal has huge hydroelectricity and agro-industrial potential, but lack of adequate capital, skilled manpower, technological know-how and modern management skills has left these areas untapped. Low economic growth, a widening trade deficit, low investment and saving, increasing foreign debt-servicing, widening balance of payments and slow industrial development cannot be solved without exploring sustainable alternative sources of income. In this context, tourism is one most viable alternative income source and there is plenty of room for its expansion through public-private partnerships.
NTY-2011 also provides an opportunity to restore the deteriorating national image, enhance tourism’s contribution to the national economy, and develop rural and eco-tourism for equitable and balanced regional development. But first, Nepal has to be developed as a safe, secure and attractive tourist destination by preserving and promoting its bio-diversity, cultural heritage and historical monuments; developing and expanding safe, secure, economic and reliable means of air and surface connectivity—both nationally and internationally—for easy access to Nepal for all aspiring visitors. Public-private partnerships are essential to develop the necessary infrastructure - i.e. road, transportation, communication, medical and accommodation facilities. In the end, the success or failure of this national campaign could go a long way towards determining sustainable peace and stability in the country.
(The author has a Master in Public Policy degree from KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea)
Rebanta Bahadur K.C.
Posted on: 2010-07-29 08:25
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