Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Posta Bahadur Bogati attended the NTB anniversary celebrations. On the occasion, he stressed that the NTB´s activities should be focused on poverty alleviation and income-generation of the rural people.[break]
The Tourism Minister said that home-stay tourism could boost the country´s tourism business.
Expressing concern over the non-constitution of the sub-committee for the selection of the Board´s executive director, he said the delay in forming the sub-committee was intended at forcing the minister to interfere in the internal issues of an autonomous body and politicize it.
The NTB was established in 1999 AD with a view to promoting the country´s tourism business under the public-private partnership ( PPP) model.
On the occasion, Minister Bogati honoured non-resident Nepali Dhruba KC in recognition of his long contribution to the promotion of tourism sector in Nepal. Besides, a souvenir published on the occasion of the NTB 14th establishment day was unveiled.
According to information made available by Board Chairman and Secretary at Tourism Ministry Yagya Prasad Gautam during the programme, the Board has planned to organize ´tourism mart´ in Lumbini, Pokhara and Kathmandu with the support from India.
NTB Officiating Executive Chief Subash Niroula said although the Board has the sources amounting to Rs. 500 million it has not been able to come up with effective programmes for development of the tourism sector.
Board Trade Union President Pradeep Basnet and feted personality KC underlined the need of cooperation between the public and private sector to develop Nepal into a safe and reliable tourist destination.
Related story
Sapkota elected as vice-chairman of NTB Executive Committee
