Minister Sudan Kirati's Vision for Nepal Tourism and Aviation Takes Flight

KATHMANDU, Sep 10:The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, graced the 20th general meeting of the Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association (NTVA) as the chief guest last Friday, which also served as the appointment ceremony for the new cabinet of NTVA. During his address, Minister Kirati shed light on a multitude of aviation aspirations that include procuring more aircraft, removing Nepal from European aviation blacklists, and focusing the nation's flight connections to India and China.

Notably, he mentioned a significant milestone in the form of eight years of relentless effort to open a flight school in Nepal, further enhancing the nation's aviation capabilities.

He emphasized the importance of infrastructure development and announced plans to open up Nepal's flights to Europe by removing it from the aviation blacklist. Recognizing aviation's pivotal role in Nepal's economy and tourism, efforts are underway to procure more aircraft for the efficient transportation of goods and people. Furthermore, the minister highlighted the potential of connecting flights from Asian nations for the easy sale of products.

Another of the key highlights of his speech was his commitment to applying a fair anti-corruption system within the sector. Minister Kirati reassured attendees that government agencies are dedicated to both applying and adapting policies that foster tourism growth.

Minister Kirati celebrated the exhilarating sport of paragliding from the iconic Mt. Everest and emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to cater to the needs of the tourism sector. He urged that a substantial budget allocation of Rs. 5 crore be made for the training program of rafting guides, underscoring the commitment to safety and excellence in adventure tourism.

The minister urged a shift in focus from villainizing foreign employment to ensuring that skilled Nepali manpower is utilized effectively abroad. He also urged for a grand-scale program showcasing jatras in Kathmandu, to be organized by the Nepal Tourism Board. Additionally, he also assured that an audio knowledge library will be established to provide tourists with valuable information about Nepal's rich cultural and natural heritage.

In a call for collaboration, Minister Kirati requested the suggestions and support of guests to improve tourism policies in Nepal. He stressed the need for Nepal's tourism to reflect its unique blend of culture and nature, underscoring the significance of hotels and airports as the nation's welcoming face. Minister Kirati urged the hospitality industry to provide seamless and comfortable services to tourists from the moment they arrive at the airport, maintaining international standards.

With this comprehensive vision and commitment to enhancing Nepal's tourism sector, Minister Sudan Kirati set an optimistic tone for the future of tourism in the country, one that promises authenticity, cultural richness, and remarkable experiences for travelers, both domestic and international.