Addressing a program organized in Kathmandu to celebrate '62nd International Sagarmatha Day', Minister Sherpa urged tourism entrepreneurs to promote unaffected areas.
Only few parts of the Great Himalaya Trail, some cultural monuments in Kathmandu Valley, and few trekking trails in Langtang, Gosainkunda, Gaurishankar, and Manaslu have been affected by the earthquake, according to Sherpa. "The government and tourism stakeholders should work together to rebuild infrastructures as soon as possible," he said, adding, "We have also selected 19 ambassadors from Nepal and abroad for effective promotion of tourism products and services in the international market."The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) has appointed prominent Everest summiteers, including the sons of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, as the goodwill ambassadors to promote Nepali tourism products and services in the international market.
"People outside has a wrong perception that Nepal is totally devastated which is wrong. We have to spread the message that many of our cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations are still intact," said Sherpa.
Saying that the ministry has already appointed managing director at Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and director general at Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), tourism secretary Suresh Kumar Shrestha said that the ministry would soon appoint a CEO at NTB.
The post of CEO at NTB has remained vacant for years, affecting activities of the national tourism organization.
Similarly, Tulsi Gautam, director general of Department of Tourism (DoT), said that tourism entrepreneurs should promote other destinations, including the ones in the far-west region, which are not affected by the earthquake.
DoT has formed a Tourism Recovery Committee (TRC) and has been making plans with the help of national and international experts and tourism entrepreneurs for rapid recovery of tourism industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Dhamala, president of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), said everything cannot be accepted in the name of recovery. "We should be careful while making recovery plans," he said, requesting the newly appointed tourism minister to join hands with private sector for the development of tourism industry.
Meanwhile, a rally was also organized in Kathmandu to mark International Sagarmatha Day. Minister Sherpa, officials of DoT and NTB as well as tourism entrepreneurs and Everest summiteers were present in the rally.
Jason Liang receives adventure award
KATHMANDU (REPUBLICA): Helicopter pilot Captain Jason Liang from New Zealand has received 'Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah Adventure Award 2015' for his tireless efforts and humanitarian assistance for search and rescue of mountaineers after the Everest avalanche of 2014.
Minister for Culture Tourism and Civil aviation Kripashur Sherpa handed over the award to Liang in a program organized to mark International Sagarmatha Day.
Ang Tshering Sherpa, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), said that Liang has been awarded in recognition of his rescue works to save the lives of mountaineers after the avalanche. "We salute Liang for his help in search and rescue works, medical evacuation, and training for Nepali pilots among others," said Sherpa.
Liang has been working as a seasonal pilot for Simrik Air since 2013.
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