Kathmandu, September 26, 2017: The 38th World Tourism Day has been observed today organizing various programs in Kathmandu.
In the morning, a procession was taken from Thamel to Nepal Tourism Board participated in by officials of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, tourism colleges and tourism associations. Slated for September 27, it has been preponed due to Dashain festival for the convenience of tourism industry.
Tourism industry’s top contributors honored
Later, a formal program was organized at Nepal Tourism Board, chaired by Mr. Maheshwor Neupane, Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Coordinator of 38th World Tourism Day 2017 Program Implementation Sub-Committee.
On the ceremony, Neupane distributed the awards to the Highest Foreign Currency Earners for fiscal year 2073/74. In the travel sector, it was given to Flight Connection, and in trekking, it was given to Himalayan Encounter. Soaltee Crowne Plaza and Nepal Airlines received the award for hotel and airlines sector respectively. For the highest contributor for Sustainable Tourism Development, the award was given to Chandragiri Cable Car.
Three model villages announced for sustainable tourism
On the occasion of World Tourism Day2017, Village Tourism Forum Nepal announced three villages as model village for sustainable tourism. Salang – Dhading, Pitlek – Syanja, and Kunchhal – Makawanpur are named as model village. These villages provide homestay for domestic and international tourists with their unique hospitality.
Addressing the function, Neupane expressed his happiness over tourist arrivals saying that it is expected to reach one million by the end of this year. He further said there is a need to focus on India and China with creative ideas to entice tourists from there. He also spoke about the performance audit of tourism sector to make it more effective in future.
Several organizations will welcome tourists entering the country on September 27 at the Tribhuvan International Airport, other entry points, and different tourism sites. Similarly, Kathmandu Durbar Square is allowing free entry tourists on that day.
