Kathmandu: The most awaited campaign Visit Nepal Year (VNY)2020 has officially launched. The ceremony inaugurated by President Bidya Devi Bhandari, amidst a special ceremony held at Dasarath Stadium, Tripureshwor on Wednesday. She inaugurated the campaign by lightening a lamp and unveiling the mascot of the VNY Yeti.
Addressing the opening ceremony, she urged all to cooperation and contribution to the grand success of the campaign while helping the campaign achieve its goal of economic prosperity of the country. She also called for unity among all the countrymen home and all citizens of the country.
President Bhandari said-” While we are proud of the cultural and natural diversity, tourists of different interests can be attracted. I would like to invite people from all over the world to visit Nepal as it is one of the best tourist destinations where we have the Mt. Everest, the birthplace of Gautam Budhha Lumbini, Chitwan, Annapurna and many more.”
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr.Yogesh Bhattarai said that the VNY 2020 was only an entry point and that the government was preparing to observe the coming decade as the tourism decade in his welcome speech. He emphasized that VNY is the basis of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’.
Representatives from various countries including Chief Justice, the National Assembly Chairman, former Prime Ministers, political party leaders, dignitaries from various countries including tourism ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, heads of the diplomatic mission, members of parliament and ministers were present in the event.
VNY 2020 Secretariat Coordinator, Mr. Suraj Baidya said the inaugural ceremony was focused on highlighting Nepal’s culture, heritage, costume, and lifestyle while promoting tourism in the country.
Before the formal inauguration, the tourism sector associates organized social organizations in March past while the Nepalese Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force made a special presentation. Famous musical bands from Nepal also performed on the occasion.
The VNY 2020 was also officially inaugurated in all the seven states including in Biratnagar of Province 1, Janakpur in Province 2, Sauraha, Chitwan in Province 3, Pokhara in Gandaki Province, Thakurdwar, Bardia in Province 5, Bulbul lake in Karnali and Dhangadi in Sudur Paschim Province.
