Minister Sudan Kirati's Vision for Nepal's Tourism: Bold Plans and Unwavering Optimism

KATHMANDU, Sep 28:In a recent one-on-one dialogue held on September 27, 2023, Sareeta Shri Gyawali engaged in a profound conversation with Sudan Kirati, Nepal's Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. The central theme of this dialogue was the repositioning of Nepal as a high-end tourist destination. Minister Kirati shared a vision brimming with optimism, outlining the challenges, opportunities, and solutions for the country's tourism sector.

Minister Kirati's optimism shines through as he anticipates a return to pre-COVID-level tourism sales and a resurgence of tourists in Nepal. He acknowledges that climate change poses an inevitable obstacle, of which Nepal is a victim.

The minister identified political instability as a primary concern,accepting that the responsibility falls on political leaders. He lamented the erosion of Nepal's culture and work ethics but believes they can be restored. One key issue he raised was the significant outflow of Nepali talent due to foreign employment, resulting in a lack of skilled manpower.

To tackle these challenges head-on, Minister Kirati presented a comprehensive set of solutions. He stressed that the government must prioritize the tourism sector as a cornerstone of Nepal's economic growth. Policymaking should involve discussions with stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes. There should be a promotion of rural traditional tourism and recognition of the potential of agricultural tourism. The establishment of a tourism-related university is also crucial as a foundational step for the sector.

He also commended the Mt. Everest paragliding initiative, as the recent world record by Li Shendao's official paragliding attempt stands as a testament now. He intends to prioritize increasing the quantity of tourists first and then using that as a promotional foundation to invite VIP, high-paying luxury tourists to Nepal afterwards.

Minister Kirati stressed the importance of strengthening ties with neighboring countries, particularly China and India, to make Nepal a sought-after destination in Southeast Asia. He believes that authenticity and tranquility will become increasingly valuable over time, urging the preservation of Nepal's authenticity amid urbanization.

The Minister advocated for the rebranding of Nepal's "off-season" image and the promotion of rainy and foggy seasons as unique attractions. He underscored the need to rebrand cultural heritage sites like Lumbini, Janakpur, and Pashupati to attract more religious tourists. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of showcasing Nepal's jatras, which are integral to the country's cultural identity. He claims that "tourism in Nepal must be Nepali by nature", further emphasizing the need to maintain authenticity.

Minister Kirati criticized the bureaucratic hurdles faced by businesses in Nepal, where multiple departments are often involved in the registration process. He did not shy away from addressing predatory practices, such as misconduct by taxi drivers and fake helicopter rescues, which can tarnish Nepal's image.

The minister also proudly declared that he would buy more aircraft, bolstering the tourism aviation sector of Nepal, and considers it a major aspect of tourism development. He went so far as to label those opposed to the idea as 'Anti-Nationalists.' Furthermore, he acknowledged that there have been regrets but claimed that 'we shouldn't regret them but learn from them.

Minister Sudan Kirati's vision for Nepal's tourism sector is nothing short of ambitious and inspiring. His dedication to learning from past mistakes, promoting authenticity, and prioritizing tourism as a national asset underscores his commitment to making Nepal a high-end tourist destination.