World Tourism Day is observed every year on September 27 at the call of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The theme for this year´s celebration is ´Tourism and Water: Protecting Our Common Future.´ [break]
Organizing a press meet in the capital, officials of NTB said that main objective of celebrating World Tourism Day this year is to explore ways to enhance tourism through available water resources in Nepal.
Speaking at the program, Subash Nirola, acting CEO of NTB, said tourism and water resources are two key sectors for national economy. “The celebration this year will focus on raising awareness among people on usability of water resources,” he added. Lauding the ongoing Bagmati River cleaning campaign, Nirola said existing water resources, including public taps, wells, rivers and water spouts, in the capital will be cleaned on the day.
“We will try to attract more tourists by promoting water tourism in Nepal,” he added. According to NTB, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) will organize rafting on Trishuli River on September 25 as part of its efforts to promote water tourism. Similarly, the association will organize clean up program and rafting on Trishuli and Bhotekoshi rivers on September 27. NARA will offer free rafting package to the first two rafters and 25 percent discount to all the rafters.
NTB together with different travel trade associations are also felicitating tourists entering the country through Tribhuvan International Airport and other entry points on September 27. Similarly, member hotels of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) will provide 25 percent discount on food to all tourists.
Awareness rallies, clean up campaigns, bicycle rallies and street festival at Thamel will also be organized on September 27.Similarly, Kathmandu Metropolitan City will allow free entry to foreign tourists visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square on the day.
NTB has tied up with more than 27 travel trade associations and private firms to celebrate World Tourism Day. Speaking at the press meet, Sushil Ghimire, secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) said tourism promotional programs should not focus on specific days alone. “We need to organize tourism promotional campaigns on regular interval,” added Ghimire.
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