CNI urges for reduction airfares

KATHMANDU, Feb 04: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has discussed the tourism industry of Nepal with Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati.

The CNI issued a statement on Friday and said that in the discussion with Minister Kirati, the steps to be taken to promote Nepal's tourism, including the initiative to be removed from the security list maintained by the European Union, suggested policy reforms to be done in the immediate and long term.

The CNI has requested Minister Kiranti to take necessary steps to reduce air fares, make the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) competitive, and remove Nepal from the security list maintained by the European Union.

In the meeting with Minister Kirati, the Vice President of the CNI Raj Bahadur Shah opined that the air fare in Nepal is very expensive, but despite Nepal being an excellent tourist destination, relatively few foreign tourists are coming. Likewise, the vice president of the CNI, Birendraraj Pandey, mentioned that the CNI has been working with the government on the development of the economy and is ready to move forward by cooperating for the development of the tourism industry.

Pampha Dhamala, chair of the tourism committee under the CNI, requested that the tourism industry be given the same facilities as other industries. He emphasized that Nepal's promotion campaign should be conducted in an effective and visible manner in international destinations.

The CNI has also drawn the attention of the Ministry about the lack of air routes for the successful operation of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport. The CNI has also requested to take necessary steps to remove the limit of cash that Indian tourists can bring to Nepal and to take steps to develop and promote Nepal as a 'filming' destination.