Too many watchtowers are not good: Tourism experts

Experts have expressed their view that the trend of constructing view towers will not lead to proper development of tourism sector. Speakers at a webinar discussion on 'Development of Tourism Industry in Nepal and Tribhuvan University's Contribution' organized by Tribhuvan University Alumni Association on Saturday urged the locals to invest in other areas of tourism promotion.

He said that systematic infrastructure could be built in the tourism sector through the budget available at the state and local levels in coordination with the private sector. He pointed out that although dozens of educational institutions were operating in Nepal to teach tourism-related subjects, the required manpower could not be produced and there was a big gap between the certificates issued by TRIB & other educational institutions and the market demand.

He said that there was no need for new skilled manpower in the tourism sector and there was no discussion between educational institutions and tourism entrepreneurs in this regard.

In the webinar, former chief executive officer of Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, said that although new concepts were being introduced in the tourism sector, there was no discussion on the policy and new strategy to move the tourism sector forward. He said, "Everyone's attention should be focused on reducing impact of the epidemic on tourism sector." The government should continue to create a more investment-friendly environment, especially by facilitating the private sector.”

Former Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism Dipendra Purush Dhakal stressed the need for the government to bring special programs for the tourism sector industries that have been impacted due to covid. He said, "As the tourism sector is the basis of economic prosperity, it is necessary to bring programs with special policy to uplift it."

Prof. Dr Ridish Pokharel said that the state has not invested enough in producing skilled manpower required for the tourism sector which plays an important role in bringing foreign currencies. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr Suniti Shrestha, President of the Association, Sudarshan Raj Tiwari, Vice President, and other speakers suggested promoting domestic tourism at a time when the number of international tourists is declining due to Covid.