HAN welcomed with budget for upcoming fiscal year

KATHMANUD, June 01:Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) has welcomed  the budget announced for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25.

Among the five transformational primary areas of development identified by the budget, it is encouraging to recognize and prioritize the tourist sector as a source of quick economic progress.

According to the HAN's press statement, the activity concept of creating a profile of important tourist locations that includes all seven provinces is significant.

HAn feels that the Buddha, Shiva, and Ramayana circuit declarations, as well as direct bus service from the border to Nepal's key pilgrimage sites, are perfect for developing cross-border tourism with India and China, both of which have significant tourist potential.

Similarly, HAN stated that the budget plans for developing tourism hill stations, leasing property for hotel resort operations, and develop Greater Himalayan, Mundhum, and Guerrilla routes are encouraging.

HAN backed the Himalayan Resource Center concept revealed in the Budget, the Janakpur-centric wedding destination and birthing hub in Lumbini, and the launch of a Master Kitchen in the state.

According to the objective of bringing in 1.6 million tourists, which is just half of the service capacity of existing hotels and tourism, current tourist arrivals can be quadrupled if newly constructed international flights to Bhairahawa and Pokhara are run in addition to Kathmandu. The Union has emphasized that there is no provision in the budget statement to enhance international flights from Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airports, which are prominently highlighted in the government's goals and programs.