Speaking at a program organized to celebrate the day, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Kripasur Sherpa requested tourism entrepreneurs to end blame games, root out unhealthy competition, and offer service of high standards so that tourist flow increases gradually. "To motivate tourism entrepreneurs, we are soon introducing the policy of providing tax holiday for certain years through amendments in Tourism Act," Sherpa added.Similarly, Mohan Krishna Sapkota, officiating secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), said the government and the private sector should work together toward achieving the objectives of Tourism Strategic Plan (2015-2014).
Among others, the strategic document includes plans for making policy amendments, institutional restructuring, encouraging domestic as well as foreign investments, tourism infrastructure development, and human resource development for the tourism industry.
"We have focused our attention to bring more tourists. Our Vision 2020 document says two million tourists will help in creating one million opportunities," said Sapkota.
Earlier in the morning, Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NATHM) organized 'Run for Tourism' with national athlete Mira Rai. Likewise, Nepal Tourism Board, tourism associations and ministry welcomed the tourists coming in first flight at the Tribhuwan International Airport.
Tourists were welcomed throughout the day by different associations at the arrival sections, information centers and different entry points.
Yogendra Shakya, vice president of National Tourism Promotion Committee (NTPC) said that private sector should grab the opportunity to invest in tourism. "If we see investments in a positive way, bring in foreign investment, and make investment-friendly policy, Nepal will soon be ready to welcome one million tourists," said Shakya.
NTPC, which has been formed for recovery and promotion of tourism after the earthquake, has sought Rs 600 million from the Ministry of Finance to implement its programs and activities.
"Our proposal is still under consideration. But the government has already approved allocation of Rs 380 million sought by the tourism ministry for reconstruction of heritage sites," added Sapkota.
HIGHEST FOREIGN CURRENCY EARNERS FETED
The government has felicitated top companies in hotels, trekking agencies, and travel agencies categories on the basis of foreign exchange earnings on the World Tourism Day.
Minister Sherpa awarded Hyatt Regency Kathmandu (hotels category), Himalayan Encounters (trekking category) and Flight Connection (travel category) amid a function organized to celebrate World Tourism Day 2015.
Similarly, three villages: Hyanjakot of Kaski, Amaltari of Nawalparasi, and Todke Jhin of Myagdi have been declared as village tourism destinations of the year 2015.
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