Challenges and Opportunities of Tourism in Nepal
Tourism in Nepal dates back to 1952 holding more than 64 years of history of welcoming foreigners in Nepal. In the starting days, Nepal was one of the top destinations for westerners. Regardless the reason behind it, tourism business was prime source of income. But unfortunately, as the years passed by, the tourism sector holding more than 64 years of collective time and experience is been shaky and tumbling down the way.
In present context, still tourism is one of the prime sources of national income however due to immature infrastructural planning and work efforts this sector is crawling ahead slowly in a speed of turtle. Whereas, our country Nepal’s immense natural beauty, natural trekking trails is among the best in the world, but still why nation is unable to welcome tourists! If we go through latest tourism data, we can see huge increase in number of tourists from India and China. Chinese tourists started to visit Nepal since 2006, and in between these 10 years, the incoming numbers are in increasing trend, but it’s not satisfactory. Specially, after April 2015 earthquake, the number decreased drastically whereas numbers of Chinese tourists were more than Indian tourists. After earthquake and unofficial Indian blockade, there are no much positive signs for tourism professionals targeting China. If proper planning of tourism policy along with improving tourists facilities at only international airport is implemented through government level, then possible positive change could have been noticed, sadly the result is exactly inverse.
As soon as any international tourist arrives at arrival terminals, they are facing problems and difficulties at airport. From waiting at queue for hours due to lack of adequate luggage belt, to airport officials being unaware of e-ticket; there are plenty of such examples in front of us. Nepal government is silent even in these cases which can be solved with ease. Likewise, the development of syndicate system at main entry point of Chinese tourists, customs at Rasuwa Kerung border is another problem for tourism sector to flourish properly. Only few vehicles left from Kathmandu get chance to on board Chinese tourists. The slow rebuilding efforts of world heritage sites, roads and infrastructures after earthquake, along with completion among unlicensed guides are only piling up the problems. And hopefully these things will get noticed to government organizations like Turgan and NATA which are established to uplift the tourism sector of the nation.
Nevertheless, along with challenges in tourism of Nepal there are infinite opportunities too. If we observe last 10 years increasing inflow data of Chinese tourists, it can be assumed that Nepal is potential destination for Chinese individuals. China with more than 1.3 billion population, if we can welcome only half of them, we can’t imagine the heights that Nepal’s tourism will get. How it will positively impact the nation’s economy through tourism? One can only imagine. It is not impossible either! The only thing we need is tourism centered national policy, plans, implementation and monitoring. Chinese President is visiting Nepal soon. If one agenda of this visit is made in development of tourism sector of Nepal, and efforts of Chinese government to do so; surely the better days will come for Nepali tourism sector. Concerned officials should have their attention on this thing, and instead of asking for loan and grants, if Chinese government can arrange suitable conditions for Chinese nationals to visit Nepal then this would be the best help from friendly neighbor China. If we can create an environment where we can welcome least 2 million Chinese tourists annually, then surely the shabby tourism industry of Nepal would gain heights.
Source: Arthatantra.com, Achyut Sigdel article
