VISIT NEPAL
20 Oct 2019 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
In Nepal, through the ages, there have been various efforts by the government of Nepal to increase tourism numbers as Nepal is a perfect destination for adventure and cultural tourism. So after the grand success of Visit Nepal 1998 and Nepal Tourism Year 2011, the Nepal Tourism Board introduced a grand campaign called VISIT NEPAL 2020. They announced this grand campaign in 2015. They planned to complete it in 2018 but later postponed it to 2020.
Several factors impacted Nepal’s tourism image. Mainstream media depicted the country as completely devastated by the 2015 earthquake. The Visit Nepal 2020 campaign, launched in 2018, aimed to promote Nepal as a safe travel destination. It highlighted that only 12 of 75 districts were affected by the earthquake. The crawling upgrading activity of Tribhuvan International Airport delayed construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini and improper transportation infrastructure led the Tourism Board to postpone the campaign to 2020.
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT NEPAL?
Nepal is fifth among the Top 10 countries to visit in the world and number one in Best Valued Destination in the World. Why wouldn’t they be, Nepal boasts pristine natural beauty, sky-high Himalayas Range, and endless culture and traditions spread out all over the country.
1. TREKKING AND MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
One of the reasons to visit Nepal is for trekking and climbing mountains. You can climb to the top of the World by scaling and conquering Everest, the highest peak in the World. Trekking comes with viewing the natural beauty of the Himalayas and knowing the lifestyle of people living in altitudes above 4000 meters.
2. CULTURAL TRADITION AND UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Nepal is also rich in culture and traditions. There are countless ethnic groups each following their distinct art and religions. This diverse tradition and lifestyle is a prominent feature of Nepalese people.
Nepal showcases its cultural diversity through its heritage and temples and Kathmandu has 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Durbar Squares.
3. BIODIVERSITY OF BIRDS AND WATCHING ENDANGERED ANIMALS
Nepal is not only about trekking and mountain climbing. Nepal boasts a wide range of animals and plants, including some found only in the country. With 852 species of birds, birdwatching has become a popular activity for tourists. Nepal is also home to several endangered species such as the Bengal Tiger, One Horned Rhinoceros, Red Panda, and the elusive Snow Leopard.
IS NEPAL SAFE TO TRAVEL AFTER THE 2015 EARTHQUAKE?
Many travelers are still wondering if it’s safe to visit Nepal and the short answer is “yes”. The earthquake caused severe damage in certain regions, but the country is rebuilding and open for travel. Aftershocks have ceased, and most hotels have been repaired, making Nepal safe to visit. Trekking routes are clear, and all lodges, except in the villages of Langtang and Kyangin Gompa, are operational. The earthquake and landslides significantly affected the Langtang and Kyangin villages, so authorities have kept them closed for trekking. However, trekkers can visit these places during their trek.
What are the steps done by the Government to ensure the completion of VISIT NEPAL 2020?
The government of Nepal is working rigorously to ensure a successful tourism period till 2020. The Tourism Board set a target of 2 million tourist arrivals in 2020. The country currently attracts nearly one million tourists annually. It aims to double this number by aggressively promoting the Visit Nepal Campaign. The tourism board is currently running a Visit Nepal Europe campaign with support from Nepal’s ambassadors and diplomats in European countries.
By 2020, the government plans to operate two new International airports, Pokhara, and Lumbini. And introduce the new Airbus 330-200 to provide airline services to a large number of tourists. The government plans to extend Tribhuvan International Airport’s hours by 3, from the regular 18, to ensure services for incoming and departing tourists.
The private hotel sector plans to add 4,000 new rooms in the four and five-star categories in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. Hilton, DoubleTree, and Marriott are set to operate many new international chain hotels in the coming years. The NTB is also expanding its contact with several agencies outside Nepal. Through various Travel Marts like HTM and BITM, several buyers and sellers of tourism products publicize the Nepal attractions.