KATHMANDU, Nov 27: The government has urged non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to use their networks to organize meetings, incentives, conferencing, and exhibitions (MICE) in Nepal.

In a meeting with the NGO Federation of Nepal, the government asked the organizations actively working in Nepal to use their local and international networks and organize seminars, meetings and conferences in Nepal. The government, while unveiling the budget for the fiscal year, said it would build roads and meeting venues to promote MICE tourism.

“As the organizations have wide networks both at local and international levels, discussion and decisions were made regarding their involvement in the promotion of VNY 2020 campaign using their networks,” said Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board. “The meeting explored avenues of collaboration between the government and NGOs of Nepal”

According to him, the parties discussed about the need to train stakeholders working in the tourism sector at the local levels. “They will work toward bringing in popular personalities associated with the organizations,” he told Republica, adding: “And also promotional videos of Nepal will be shown in the programs they attend.”

Tourism experts say that Nepal has been able to establish itself as an ideal destination for conferences and international meetings. A welcoming environment, warm hospitality, and easy visa acquiring procedure in Nepal are among the reasons for hosting conferences and seminars. Tourism entrepreneurs contribute pleasant weather, cheaper cost, safety of visitors, and visa on arrival for the increased frequency of international conferences in Nepal.

However, lack of proper infrastructure including good roads and air connectivity, among other facilities, pose challenges to the promotion of Nepal as a hub for conferences.

At the meeting, NGO representatives asked the government to ensure that both Nepali and foreign citizens are charged equal airfares in domestic airlines.

 
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