Renovation of Nepal Academy proposed

KATHMANDU:

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has proposed to upgrade and renovate the Nepal Academy building in a bid to utilise the property for national and international level conferences and meetings.

Located at Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal Academy covers 50 ropanis of land, has sufficient space for gatherings and vehicle parking, and the four halls can accommodate a total of 1,266 people.

As the concept of MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition) tourism is emerging all around the world, the government has also focused on necessary infrastructure development to

promote MICE tourism in the country, as per Mohan Krishna Sapkota, spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).

“MoCTCA is planning to develop, upgrade and preserve such properties for promotion of MICE tourism in the country and renovation of the Nepal Academy is one of its extensive plans in this regard.”

A three-member committee formed by the NTB has estimated the total cost of refurbishing Nepal Academy will amount to Rs 10 million. It would be promoted as a prime venue for big conferences and meetings after the renovation, according to Kashi Raj Bhandari, director of NTB, as well as one of the members of the three-member committee.

The committee led by NTB Board Member Ghanendra Bahadur Shrestha also comprises MoCTCA Spokesperson and Joint Secretary Sapkota.

NTB would be responsible for branding and marketing of the venue after it is revamped. As per the initial observation of the committee, chairs of the halls need to be replaced and the stage also needs to be reconstructed. Similarly, foyer needs reconstruction, elevators should also be installed and toilets should be built new.

Nepal Academy, in its existing condition, had generated Rs 10.84 million in revenue last fiscal. “It can generate more revenue if it is renovated and operated commercially,” said Bhandari, adding, “Even with its existing situation of revenue generation, it can pay back NTB’s money within six year at the rate of Rs two million per year, along with interest.”

Reportedly, Nepal Academy has some reservations in terms of operating it commercially. But the problem is expected to be resolved as Nepal Academy is also placed under MoCTCA.

Nepal Academy has more capacity than the International Convention Centre of New Baneshwor, which is being used by the Constituent Assembly. City Hall, which has the capacity to accommodate 550 people, can also be used for smaller conferences, seminars, said officials.

Nepal Academy has some distinct features, including the main auditorium, a theatre, sufficient space for gathering, parking. Moreover, is it is located close to some of the major five-star hotels in the Capital.

“Rather than investing billions of rupees for a new convention centre, it would be economical to renovate and promote Nepal Academy for development of MICE tourism,” said Bhandari.

Entrepreneurs stress upgradation of TIA

KATHMANDU:

Tourism entrepreneurs today said that the current capacity of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) — the only international airport in the country — would be the major hindrance in achieving Tourism Vision 2020.

While the government has set the target of increasing annual arrival of international tourists to two million by 2020, it has not made any concerted efforts to develop the essential infrastructures, like upgradation of TIA, among others.In the meantime, the private sector claims to be making preparations to handle the increase in inflow of tourists. There are altogether 34,948 beds available in standard hotels and 10,000 more will be added by 2018, according to Prabin Bahadur Panday, chairman of promotion committee at the Hotel Association Nepal.

The country received 800,000 individual tourists last year. Stating marketing and promotion would not suffice, Ashok Pokhrel, president of Nepal Association of Tour Operators, said, “First, we should concentrate on developing infrastructures to attain the target set by the government.”

As the government has prioritised developing MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition) tourism in the country, tourism entrepreneurs have highlighted the need to enhance the capacity of international airport, upgrade road connectivity, and take up better promotion and marketing.

Besides Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini, among other places, hold the potential for pre and post tours for MICE delegates, which is why the government should focus on developing other parts of the country as well, tourism entrepreneurs stated during a programme organised by the Hotel Association Nepal here today. - See more at: http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Renovation+of+Nepal+Academy+proposed&NewsID=449976#sthash.u3nJdSQQ.dpuf

Source: THT