September 28 , 2012

Country’s tourism fraternity marked 33^rd World Tourism Day (WTD) on September 27 by organizing various programs throughout the country.

The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Tourism and Sustainable Energy Powering Sustainable Development’.

Early in the morning, various travel trade associations, including Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), took out a joint rally to raise awareness among people of the benefits of tourism. The rally, which was coordinated by Thamel Tourism Development Board (TTDB), passed through Kantipath, Jamal, Kmalakshi, Ason and Indrachowk before culminating into a gathering at Basantapur. Representatives of different travel trade associations were present in the rally with their banners.

Similarly, several tourism organizations welcomed tourists entering the country at the Tribhuvan International Airport and other entry points. Hoteliers and restaurateurs offered attractive discounts on food and accommodation to the foreign tourists.

At a special ceremony organized at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Post Bahadur Bogati inaugurated solar-energy system in the premises of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in line with the theme of World Tourism Day. He also unveiled the trekking map of Dolpo Trek along with promotional materials, including the new website of Great Himalaya Trail (GHT), and a new tourism magazine. The maps and promotional DVD were prepared by TAAN.  Bogati also handed over cash prize and gift to winners of Inter Media Wall Climbing Competition organized by Journalists’ Association for Tourism-Nepal (JAT-Nepal).

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Bogati said tourism industry can work as a catalyst to bring about economic revolution in the country. He also praised efforts of the private sector in promoting tourism.

TAAN President Mahendra Singh Thapa asked the government to lower permit fee to the Dolpo area. “Tourism can help uplift socio-economic status of people in the Dolpo region. For that, the government should lower permit fee and encourage more trekkers to travel there,” he added.

Tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara and Chitwan also celebrated World Tourism Day with much fanfare.