Bagmati Province Minister Suresh Shrestha Highlights Thamel's International Recognition

Kathmandu. Bagmati Province Minister of Culture and Tourism Suresh Shrestha has said that the tourist area Thamel has introduced Nepal to the international level. He said that Thamel's contribution to the development of Nepal's tourism sector is significant during the 30th and 31st annual general meeting and election organized here today by the Thamel Tourism Development Council.

Minister Shrestha said that Bagmati Province has allocated a budget of four billion rupees for the fiscal year 2083/84 for tourism promotion and tourist infrastructure development. He mentioned that some businessmen doing business in the Thamel area are in a situation where they cannot even pay house rent, and the council should work for the problems of such businessmen.

Ward Chairperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16, Rozina Shrestha, emphasized that the council should work to make Thamel safe, organized, and technologically advanced. She said that the Thamel area has been helping to introduce Nepal to the world.

Nepal Association Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) President Kumarmani Thapaliya said that most foreign tourists coming to Nepal visit Thamel once, and Thamel has become narrow in recent times. He said that Nepal's tourism sector cannot gain momentum until investment in the aviation sector increases.

Council President Dhurba Adhikari said that the council is working in collaboration with businessmen and house owners for the development of the Thamel area. He mentioned that the federal government should develop Thamel, which is of international standard, with a special plan.

Former President of the Council Dr. Ramsharan Thapaliya, Vice President Sahadev Dhamala (Bimal), General Secretary Badri Timilsina, and others said that the Thamel area should be developed as a special tourist destination. The Thamel Tourism Development Council, established in 2048 BS, currently has more than 1,500 house owners and businessmen affiliated with it.