Issuing a press statement, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said the meeting held in New Delhi on July 6 was attended by 45 participants, including policymakers, from eights countries. They held discussions on different ways to promote travel within the region by removing the current entry barriers. [break]The conclave focused on various strategies to promote tourist destinations and products in the SAARC region, according to the statement.
Inaugurating the conclave, Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister for Tourism, India highlighted the diverse range of destinations and products of the region. Sahai also unveiled the Indian government´s plan to organize International Buddhist Conclave in Varanasi on September 29-30.
Participants of the conclave suggested that affordable travel connections and visa on arrival facility could accelerate tourism development in the region.
During the presentation from the Nepali delegation, Subash Nirola, officiating CEO of NTB, stressed the need for joint forums, including the common forum for the private sector tourism associations for marketing and promotion of tourism activities, for promoting regional tourism.
“The first SAARC Tour Operators Conclave is indeed a big step in the right direction and is expected to contribute to business and opportunities for economic development and employment generation in the region,” the statement added.
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