Tourism holds immense potentials for Nepal, which have yet to be tapped to the extent to which it is capable of. Of late, the tourism sector presents a rosy picture with the tourist arrivals reaching record heights, although the figures could be better. This can be gleaned from the fact that the tourist arrivals to Nepal were the most numerous ever with the arrival of 735,932 tourists in the year 2011. Incidentally, since the nation was observing the Nepal Tourism Year 2011, the promotion drive apparently paid off, although the goal was to host at least a million visitors. Nepal is an ideal destination for tourists which is as good as the world?s best, and the nation should be able to capitalize on this. For the promotion of tourism, it is essential to build the necessary tourism infrastructure. But, building the infrastructure alone is not enough. It is essential to have peace in the country. At one time, Nepal was actually regarded as being one of the safest destinations for tourists in the world. This was something to be proud about for all Nepalese. However, during the decade-long conflict the tourism industry was hit badly and the tourist inflow plummeted.
Tourism strategies, both long and short term, should be devised. It goes without saying that the tourism market should be identified and created, and all concerned should be actively involved in promotional activities luring potential visitors to visit the country. It is found that not enough has been done by the way of promotion of tourism to the country in the foreign countries. The government alone is not able to carry out all the promotional activities so it is up to the private sector to also work in tandem with the government agencies in the promotional drives. Looking towards the future, it is found that ten years from now, tourism will be able to guarantee a million jobs. In fact, it will account for 9.3 per cent of the jobs available in 2022, which would indeed be a great achievement. The travel and tourism sector is also expected to contribute substantially to the national GDP. Considering the crucial role that travel and tourism plays for the country, it is essential that it be accorded national priority and taken up seriously.
Meanwhile, the forecasts are that the travel and tourism industry will grow robustly in Nepal. Various innovative schemes such as homestays have proved to be immensely popular. More such innovative schemes should be devised as well as the promotion of more touristic destinations, which Nepal is not lacking in. Religious tourism has also much scope for Nepal. Lumbini is a very popular destination, particularly for Buddhists, and every year number of tourists visiting Lumbini is increasing phenomenally. So far, domestic tourism is taking the back seat, although it is gradually getting popular. Domestic tourism should also be promoted for it not only has a financial side to it but would also contribute to generating bonhomie and goodwill amongst the Nepalese people. Tourism happens to be a lucrative for Nepal and we should be able to tap this enterprise to the fullest extent.
Another punch
It is the third real hike in the price of petroleum products in the first three months this year. With every commodity becoming dearer, it will not be an easy task for the majority to eke out a living. Poverty is said to have decreased, but the income front or rather the purchasing power of the people have hardly kept pace. With every petroleum product price hike in quick succession, it is for the average consumer?s heart to miss a beat.
The latest hike just goes to prove that the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) or rather the government has no strategy to cushion the impacts. This only shows that the government is not interested even a little bit in reforming the way the NOC functions. Transparency and accountability is something alien to the sole petroleum product importing body. International prices of oil increases, so adjustments have to be made accordingly. But, what is seen is that price hikes are effected as per the whims of those manning the NOC. That seems rather absurd. Every hike that is made has to be accounted for, and the consumers have the right to know the reason for doing so. With the government remaining apathetic, nothing is going to change for the better.
Himal
Source: http://www.englishnews.hamrosansar.net/2012/03/gold-mine_30.html
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