New tourism policy in the offing: Minister Pandey

Representative image of tourism

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 20: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, announced that the drafting of a new tourism policy is in its final stages. Speaking to journalists today, he noted, "Since the adoption of the federal structure, no new tourism policy has been introduced. The draft is now in its final phase, and discussions with stakeholders are ongoing."

The Minister also shared plans to prepare a comprehensive Tourism Act alongside the policy. Additionally, the Ministry is working on the ambitious Visit Nepal Decade, slated for 2025–2035. According to Minister Pandey, a thematic committee within the Ministry has already held its second meeting, focusing on transforming the tourism sector, boosting employment, expanding opportunities, and increasing tourism's contribution to the national economy.

On policy reforms, he remarked, "Although progress is underway, tangible results will take time."

Minister Pandey further revealed that two bills have been submitted to the Council of Ministers to split the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two separate entities: one for service provision and the other for regulation.

Regarding the Nepal Airlines Corporation, the Minister acknowledged ongoing efforts to address challenges. He highlighted plans to operate seven Twin Otter aircraft across seven provinces, compared to the current reliance on a single Twin Otter for flights in all provinces.