Tourism Businessmen demanded strong tourism policy to extend stay of Chinese tourists

KATHMANDU, March 27:A strong tourism policy and the development of road infrastructure, according to businessmen in the tourism industry, are required to extend Chinese tourists' stays in Nepal. Businessmen in the tourism industry have urged the Chinese government to add Nepal to its list of second-destination nations so that more Chinese tourists will travel there. They have also asked for an extension of their stay and a focus on infrastructure development.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced the Chinese government to impose a travel ban on its citizens. However, just a few days ago, the Chinese government listed Nepal as the second country for its citizens to travel to. The top destinations for Chinese nationals include Thailand and other nations.

Up until 2019, Nepal saw a sizable influx of Chinese tourists. However, the covid pandemic has caused a decline in Chinese visitor numbers. In response, the industry experts stated that the private sector is prepared to offer facilities and other services to accommodate foreign visitors to Nepal.

Sudarshan Nepal, a businessman in the tourism industry, suggested that Nepal should increase its regular direct flight services now that China has listed Nepal as its second destination country. He asserted that Nepal's physical infrastructure must be improved in order to lengthen Chinese visitors' stays there. According to him, when Chinese tourists visit, hotels and tour guides directly profit, and more people also buy Nepali goods.

He favors traveling with other Chinese people. However, since government travel restrictions exist, there are fewer opportunities for tourists to travel abroad. With the Chinese government's recent approval to travel abroad, he anticipated an increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal.