Nepal Tourism Board CEO Urges Businesses to Capitalize on Two-Day Weekend

Kathmandu. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, has urged tourism entrepreneurs to introduce attractive packages targeting the government's newly implemented two-day public holiday. Claiming that the two-day break will significantly boost domestic tourism, he advised businesses to take full advantage of the policy.

Speaking to News Agency Nepal, Joshi noted that while the proposal for a two-day weekend had been advocated for years to promote tourism, its recent implementation is a welcome development. He believes this decision will have a highly positive impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Joshi clarified that with significant investments already made in Nepal's tourism infrastructure and hospitality industry, this additional holiday will provide direct relief. He stated that as domestic tourists are drawn to new destinations, the potential for further investment will increase, creating a strong foundation for attracting international tourists in the long run.

Joshi believes that a two-day weekend will provide employees and professionals with ample time for travel and the exchange of ideas, which will help stimulate overall economic activity.

He argued that previously, employees struggled to balance family time and household chores, which impacted their productivity. He claimed that the change in office time management would bring positive shifts in employee mindset and work style.

Joshi noted that while Nepalis typically travel only during the New Year, school holidays, and festivals, the weekly holiday now presents a new opportunity for travel. He pledged that the Nepal Tourism Board would promote packages developed by businesses that align with these government holidays.

However, he emphasized that as the number of tourists increases, the quality of service must not decline. Stating that tourism is a service-oriented business, he noted that the Board is producing awareness videos focusing on hospitality and cleanliness.

Addressing complaints regarding poor treatment of domestic tourists at various destinations, he stressed the need for equality and improvement in service delivery. He also mentioned that the Board would launch awareness campaigns to curb environmental pollution caused by tourists littering during treks and travels.

Meanwhile, Joshi praised the government for its swift action in publishing the Cabinet's decision in the gazette within hours of its announcement, noting that this sets an exemplary precedent for other agencies to follow in terms of efficient implementation.