Nepal to be branded as a safe and attractive tourist destination

KATHMANDU, MAY 29: The government has announced plans to brand Nepal as a safe and attractive tourist destination. During a joint session of the Federal Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel presented the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26, highlighting infrastructure development, quality service expansion, and marketing efforts aimed at promoting Nepal as a premier travel destination.

The budget includes special promotional programs targeting tourists from neighboring countries. It emphasizes expanding tourist services at key destinations focused on nature tourism, mountain and adventure tourism, as well as religious and cultural tourism.

In addition, the government aims to promote tourism based on Nepal’s natural beauty, culture, adventure opportunities, film locations, health tourism, and sports. Welcome and service centers will be established along land routes to assist tourists. Private sector investment will be encouraged to help develop tourist destinations. Efforts will also focus on enhancing jungle safaris, trekking, and nature tourism within national parks, reserves, and protected areas.

Tourism promotion programs will be conducted in collaboration with the private sector and facilitated by the Tourism Board. For the promotion of tourism in high hill and Himalayan regions, secure trekking routes will be developed. Trekking routes will be operated in areas including Shuklaphanta, Khaptad, Bardiya, Rara, Lumbini, Muktinath, Sauraha, Gosainkunda, Janakpur Dham, Kalinchowk, Koshi Tappu, Sagarmatha, Kechana Kawach, and Pathibhara. Reliable safety measures and emergency rescue arrangements will be put in place for mountaineers and trekkers.

Hotels and resorts recognized as production-oriented industries

Through this budget, hotels and resorts have been officially recognized as production-oriented industries. These industries will benefit from exemptions on income tax and electricity duties. Legal provisions will also be introduced to support workers in hotels, restaurants, and jungle safaris.

Furthermore, infrastructure development will be prioritized at major religious and cultural destinations such as Sagarmatha, Pashupati, Lumbini, Swargadwari, Rara, and Khaptad. The budget also includes plans to develop evening trekking routes around Swayambhunath, Hanuman Dhoka, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath.

Tourism infrastructure will be improved along attractive spots on the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway, and rafting facilities will be developed on rivers including Karnali, Bheri, Gandaki, and Trishuli.