Support and Strategies: Sapkota's Recommendations to Minister Pandey

KATHMANDU, July 19:Som Sapkota, a tourism promoter of  Nepal for Wales, congratulates Mr. Badri Pandey on his appointment as Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. Sapkota expresses strong support for Mr. Pandey and offers key recommendations to enhance Nepal’s tourism sector.

Sapkota suggests improving infrastructure by enhancing roads, expanding flight routes, and upgrading airport facilities. Promoting cultural heritage is vital, including the restoration of historical sites and the global promotion of local festivals by collaborating with international cultural institutions. 

For adventure tourism, Sapkota recommends diversifying activities like paragliding and rafting while ensuring high safety standards. Developing a digital platform for travel information and bookings, along with training hospitality staff, can improve tourism services. Promoting homestays and agro-tourism, and funding community projects, will support rural tourism.

He believes that international collaboration is essential; partnering with global agencies and simplifying visa processes can attract more visitors, especially from India and China. Emphasizing sustainable tourism through eco-friendly practices and heritage preservation is also important. Additionally, developing niche markets such as wellness, medical, and spiritual tourism can attract diverse tourist groups as well. 

He considers enhancing tourist safety and communication essential in building trust. Utilising digital marketing strategies can effectively promote Nepal globally. Updating tourism policies, engaging the Nepalese diaspora, and reforming the Nepal Tourism Board will support strategic growth. He also suggests resolving issues raised by ICAO and improving air safety standards. Additionally, he emphasizes managing the two new international airports to ensure they are fully operational, thereby enhancing Nepal’s global connectivity. Finally, appointing goodwill ambassadors and establishing a task force to monitor and evaluate progress will ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.

Sapkota is confident that these steps will significantly boost Nepal’s tourism industry and looks forward to Nepal becoming a leading global tourist destination under Mr. Pandey's leadership.