NEPAL

NEWS : Comunicato Nepal Tourism Board

Nepal Tourism Board
Travel Update
February 8, 2005
Tourism Industry witnesses more Confidence, Peace and Stability

After the Royal Proclamation of February 1, 2005, life in Nepal has geared towards greater normalcy with the restoration of better sense of peace, safety and security throughout the kingdom. The public vehicles, national and international flights have also resumed their scheduled services from the very next day (Feb 2, 2005). Likewise, buses to tourist destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini have run smoothly. And, the travel industry has shown consolidated enthusiasm to entertain all the tourists coming over to Nepal with greater vigour and warm hospitality and the upcoming high season of tourist arrival from India and other major markets is at the threshold. Now onwards, tourists can plan their holidays to Nepal without any hindrances as strikes and bandhs have become past phenomenon.

In a proclamation to the nation on February 01, 2005, His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev said, "We are convinced of the fact that the Nepalese people have deep faith in and are firmly committed to constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy. We have no interest other than the restoration of sustainable peace and exercise in meaningful democracy for the welfare of Nepal and the Nepalese people." His Majesty further said, "It is our belief that upholding human rights not only preserves and promotes democratic values but also enhances a way of life and civilizational values commensurate with the 21st century."
Responding to the present situation, Hon'ble Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Buddhiraj Bajracharya, says, "His Majesty's Government is committed to provide all kind of facilities and hospitality to tourists without flinching from its core responsibility. The Government has accorded high priority to tourism industry because of its multidimensional approach and largest trickle down effect. At this juncture, I would like to extend hearty welcome to all tourists coming to Nepal and would like to assure that as the country is heading towards restoration of peace, security and democratic values, the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal would attract more tourists in the coming days with commitment of the present government to ensure better services and facilities to the tourists."

Meanwhile, Travel Experts said that tour operators have conducted the sightseeing tours in and around the Kathmandu Valley as per itinerary and the tourists have fully enjoyed their holidays in destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Annapurna region, Everest region as tourist establishments in these areas are running in complete normalcy and their movement is not restricted anywhere in the tourist destinations so far, and all communication services are running smoothly.
The tourism history of Nepal has proved that no untoward incident has taken place aiming at the tourists. His Majesty's Government has also assured the industry that it will not leave any stone unturned at any stage to provide appropriate facility and necessary support to make the stay of tourists memorable. Moreover, it is specially advised to book holiday tours in Nepal through registered travel/tour operators.
In order to better facilitate tourists, the Tourism Crisis Response Action Unit at Nepal Tourism Board responds to the queries and facilitates or takes necessary initiatives. This operation has been supported by Media Center of Nepal Tourism Board. The staff on duty is available at number 977-1-4227381.