Tourism-related organizations established relief fund for earthquake victims

KATHMANDU, Nov 05:Tourism-related organizations have set up a relief fund to help earthquake victims.

Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA), Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN), Skal International Nepal, Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association (NTVA), Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, World Tourism Network Nepal Chapter and other associations have jointly established such a relief fund.

Tourism entrepreneurs have also expressed their deep sadness over the huge loss of wealth due to the earthquake that hit Jajarkot at midnight on Nonember 3rd.

According to HAN, it was decided to establish a relief fund for earthquake victims and to provide support to the individuals and families of the afflicted areas as quickly as possible, in collaboration and coordination with the government and associated agencies.

It has also decided to offer tourism-related skill upgrading training for earthquake victims and their families, as well as programs based on the 'Earn and Learn' concept.

The area affected by the earthquake is about 500 kilometers west of Kathmandu, and direct tourism activity would be reduced in that area.According to tourism-related organizations, the major tourist destinations of Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini, have been minimally affected and are safe as a result of this disaster.