Tourism vital to boost national economy: CM Karki

Morang, December 8 — Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, said tourism could be an effective medium to ensure economic prosperity in Nepal.

Development of tourism shapes the development of country, he argued while inaugurating a tourism project based on trekking. It was amidst a programme organized by the Province Ministry of Tourism, Forest and Environment here today.

According to him, the project would be meaningful intervention to not only ensure people access to education, health, employment and infrastructure building but also to end migration. Tourism comes on top for Nepal's development and prosperity, he said, reminding that the budget for the fiscal year, 2081/82 had included tourism with special focus.

Four trekking routes were opened by the government as part of the game changing project.

Moreover, he viewed if the protest like strike and closure were banned for five years in the province, tourism would boost the image of province. On the occasion, Province Minister for Tourism, Forest and Environment, Sadanand Mandal, said the trekking routes would be significant for tourism development.

Swiss Ambassador for Nepal, Dr Daniel Myueli, said the Swiss government was always ready to extend support to Nepal for its journey to development, and implementation of constitution and federalism.

The project would benefit 29 local governments, she hoped. Project coordinator Dr Man Bahadur Bishwokarma presented a working paper on 'Tourism and Potential' at the programme.

Four trekking routes under the project are: Chiyabari Trekking Route (Ilam, Fikkal and Sriantu), Falgunanda Trekking Route (Phidim, Chhintanpu, Sandakpur, Maipokhari and Ilam) and Laligurans Trekking Route (Tumlingtar, Khandbari, Num Gufa Pokhari, Basantapur, Jaljale, Tinjure and Milke) and Mundhum Trekking Route (Tawabhanjyang, Tyamkedanda, Chakhewa, Dalsnge, Dhotre, Jaljale, Hanspokhari and Maiyungdanda).