Budget fails to meet demands of tourism sector

KATHMANDU:

The budget for fiscal year 2013-14 has failed to meet the expectations of tourism entrepreneurs. According to the people in the tourism industry, the budget has failed to bring any special programmes to promote tourism in the international market.

“The government could have focused on the international market but it has not included any special programmes and packages to attract tourists from the international market,” said vice president of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents Madhusudan Acharya.

According to him, the tourism industry was expecting a special programme for International Himalayan Tourism promotion project but there was no such announcement.

“The budget should have mentioned much more on infrastructure development programmes for the development of domestic tourism,” said Acharya.

However, Acharya expressed his satisfaction over the budget’s concern on developing a regional airport.

The budget has allocated Rs 430 million for the renovation of heritage sites and museums to conserve historical and cultural heritage. It has also mentioned about the development of proper infrastructure for the promotion of Lomanthang of Mustang district and to enlist it in the World Heritage Site.

The budget has also allocated Rs 630 million to improve trekking trails and to develop eco-friendly regions.

Meanwhile, it has also announced compulsory vacation for employees of public enterprises and class ‘A’ and ‘B’ financial institutions that are in profit. The programme has been announced with a motive to promote domestic tourism.

The fiscal policy of 2013-14 has also set aside Rs 130 million for the conservation, promotion and development of Rishikesh, Manakamana, Gulmi-Resung, Dhanushadham, Devghat and Khotang Haleshi Mahadev.

Source: THT