KATHMANDU, Sept 27: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has urged foreign embassies to relax travel advisories issued for visiting Nepal.
During a “Meet and Greet with Diplomatic Corps” event held in Kathmandu on Thursday evening on the occasion of Dashain, Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi emphasized that Nepal has now returned to normal and is fully safe for tourists.
Earlier, foreign embassies and diplomatic missions in Nepal had issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens about visiting the country following the Gen-Z movement on September 8–9. Highlighting that the tourism industry has quickly returned to normal after the recent unrest, CEO Joshi said, “Nepal is now fully stable in terms of political stability, security, ease of transportation and access to health services.”
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According to him, the army immediately brought the situation under control, a new government was formed and there were no issues with political stability after the September 8-9 unrest. Security agencies and tourist police have resumed normal services. Roads, airports, and transportation systems are fully operational, and hospitals and healthcare services have returned to normal, he informed the ambassadors.
Addressing the participating ambassadors and representatives, CEO Joshi added, “Nepal is a unique natural and cultural destination. Your support and messages will create a positive impact in the international community. Together, we can further promote Nepal as one of the world’s most attractive destinations.”
CEO Joshi also informed that during the Gen-Z movement, 25 hotels suffered partial physical damage, affecting over 2,000 jobs. He emphasized the resilience of Nepal’s tourism industry, saying, “Nepal’s tourism sector has been mature in managing international crises for decades. No tourists were targeted during the unrest, and I want to assure that tourism will remain safe in the coming days as well.”
At the event, NTB Vice-Chair Ram Prasad Sapkota requested the embassies to convey the message that Nepal is fully ready to welcome tourists. He said, “With Nepal’s culture, heritage, and hospitality, we are prepared to welcome visitors. Please communicate to your governments and tourists that ‘Nepal is open and safe.’”
The event held on the eve of World Tourism Day was attended by ambassadors and representatives from 15 countries including the United States, India, Egypt, Norway, Qatar, Malaysia and Pakistan, along with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Forests and Environment, the Department of Immigration and tourism industry representatives.
CEO Joshi highlighted that festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and the Nepal Sambat present Nepal as a “festival of reunion and renewal.” He also noted that tourism contributes not only to the economy but also strengthens relationships among people and that visiting Nepal enhances friendship and diplomatic ties. He assured the ambassadors that the NTB is committed to continuous cooperation to promote Nepal’s tourism identity globally.
