KATHMANDU, SEP 28 -
The government has opened up 326 peaks for mountaineering activities, however only a few have been exploited.
The ministry manages peaks above 7,000 metres, while the Nepal Mountaineering Associati-on manages 33 popular peaks between 5,587 metres to 6,654 metres. Eight of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders are located in Nepal, including the third pole—Mt Everest. The government collects over $20 million in revenue annually from foreigners by issuing mountain climbing permits.
Expressing concern over the recent tragedy on Mt Manaslu, in which nine mountaineers were killed, Bogati said Nepal is an adventurous destination and the country cannot bar the rights of tourists for adventure. “However, to make adventure activities safer, there is a need for creating a wide-impact awareness among visitors,” he said, speaking at a function to mark the 33rd World Tourism Day.
Saying that the government was not in a position to exempt taxes on tourism development activities, the minister, however, said the government could facilitate the private sector to manage the country’s resources.
On the same occasion, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) launched a redesigned website of the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) and a CD and map of Dolpa. TAAN President Mahendra Singh Thapa highlighted the potential of Dolpa, saying the region has the potential to become an adventure tourist destination.
Thapa also said tourism was the only way to alleviate poverty in Dolpa and that the government should promote the region. “We can market Dolpa. But there should be road and air connectivity.” The upper and lower Dolpa attracted 1,205 tourists last year.
Meanwhile, the government and travel trade organisations held rituals to welcome tourists at various entry points, airports and hotels. Tara Gaon Development Board (TGDB) provided 20 percent discount on food and a 50 percent discount on accommodation at its member hotels and restaurants for tourists arriving between September 23 and September 27 and free food and accommodation to the first two tourists on Thursday.
The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) offered a 25 percent discount on food to all tourists at its member hotels on September 27. The Nepal Association of Rafting Agents had announced providing free vouchers to first two foreign visitors and a 20 percent discount to rafters on September 27, while the Tourist Guide Association of Nepal provided free tour guide services for half-day sightseeing on Thursday.
However, private sector representatives said these activities were not enough to sustain tourism, which needs big initiatives from the government, particularly on infrastructure development front.
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