Tourism entrepreneurs urge government to avoid impulsive policy changes

Kathmandu. Tourism entrepreneurs have advised the government against making impulsive changes to tourism policies and regulations. During the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Travel and Tour Operators Nepal (SOTTO-Nepal), the umbrella organization for tour and travel businesses, stakeholders urged the government to carefully consider the long-term impacts on the tourism sector before implementing any policy shifts.

At the meeting, SOTTO-Nepal President Man Bahadur Shahi emphasized that Nepal's tourism sector is filled with immense potential. He stated that Nepal's mountains, hills, Terai, diverse culture, heritage, adventure tourism, religious tourism, and rural tourism provide a unique position in the global market, which must be fully utilized. He noted that close collaboration between the private sector, the government, and local communities is essential to translate these possibilities into reality. He expressed hope in the newly formed stable government and urged it to adopt long-term policies to address issues in the tourism sector.

Outgoing President Bhuwan Bahadur Pandey advised the government to consider the long-term consequences when formulating tourism-related policies. Pandey drew the government's attention to the need to avoid implementing or removing policies based on whims. He also called for the Nepal Tourism Board's cooperation in tourism promotion.

Former SOTTO President Yam Bahadur Khadka highlighted the VAT issues faced by small businesses and urged the government to address them. He stated that new circumstances have brought new challenges to tourism, requiring appropriate steps for resolution.

During the program, Senior Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, Suman Ghimire, suggested that opportunities could be created for the Nepali tourism industry even amidst the challenges posed by the Middle East conflict. He urged entrepreneurs to explore this perspective. He noted that the current stable government has raised hopes and promised that SOTTO-Nepal's programs would be included in the Board's upcoming budget.

Senior Vice President Dinesh Basnet, General Secretary Kumar Parajuli, Treasurer Madhusudan Nepal, and other speakers emphasized that the tourism industry is the foundation of the economy and called for moving forward with a new strategy. The General Meeting concluded late Saturday. The assembly also unveiled new point-based strategies for promoting domestic and international tourism and for publicizing new and overlooked destinations.