Suitable for homestay operations in settlements outside Ring Road of Kathmandu Valley : Tourism Minister Tamang

KATHMANDU, June 05:Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang has stated that it would be appropriate to conduct a homestay program in the settlements outside the Ring Road near Kathmandu Valley.

Speaking at the annual Handigaon Community Homestay celebration and the inauguration of new homestays, he stated that the homestay program may be expanded to locations beyond the valley's ring road near the city.

Minister Tamang underlined the need of managing homestays in a systematic, effective, and purposeful manner, stating that foreign and domestic tourists can profit economically by displaying original art and culture as well as the taste of local and organic food.

He stated that Handigaon Homestay has demonstrated that homestays can be run by providing food and lodging for tourists and charging a set sum for hospitality services, even in urban settings. He believed that rituals could be preserved and propagated.

He stated, "In the forest area outside Kathmandu's ring road, farming, animal husbandry, and vegetable growing were done from cattle dung." There is currently less arable land, but if we can use the available land to establish homestays in such villages, combining old lives with new technology and welcome guests with local products, we may be able to earn a good living.

Minister Tamang stated that tourists come to Nepal not only to see the mountains, but also to visit religious sites and admire the natural scenery. He stated that the homestay would be an appropriate solution to meet the wishes of such tourists who came to study the culture. To accomplish this, the homestay must begin operations in a systematic manner.

He stated that if homestays in Kathmandu's metropolitan neighborhoods were more widely advertised, they might give services to tourists visiting for a short length of time. Minister Tamang stressed the importance of homestay in promoting local economic development.

Minister Tamang stated that homestay should be used to promote tourism in villages and towns with tourism potential, and that the ministry will assist with the promotion, operation, and extension of the homestay program.

Shakuntala Ghimire, President of Handigaon Community Homestay, stated during the event that 27 households are currently involved in the operation, up from 11 houses, with plans to expand to 50 houses. She stated that Handigaon is a historical site and that in addition to the local cuisine, guests would be entertained by original culture and clothing.