Tourism Minister Tamang: Government plans to remove taxes on tourism and air tickets

KATHMANDU, June 10: Hit Bahadur Tamang, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, has stated that the government is working to eliminate VAT and other unnecessary taxes on airfare in the tourism sector.

At the 57th Annual General Meeting of the Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA) on Friday, he stated that discussions are on to remove various taxes in this field for the development and promotion of the tourist sector, and that a decision will be reached shortly.

Tourism Minister Tamang stated that a new plan has been initiated, including the search for new places to attract more foreign tourists to Nepal, as well as infrastructural improvements.

He stated that there is a plan to develop a 'Eco Hill Station' where local and foreign tourists can visit throughout the summer and leisure season.

He said, "Our air and road transportation is not easy, so the government is thinking about improving the infrastructure." Also, areas like Janakpur, Pashupati, and Lumbini should be considered for attracting tourists from countries with huge populations, like as India and China, thereby improving our service and extending tourists' stays.

NATTA's former president, Ramesh Thapa, underlined the importance of stakeholders taking action to make tourism more sustainable.

On that occasion, individuals from many areas who have contributed to the tourism industry were awarded.