KATHMANDU, Sept 28: With the theme of ´Tourism and Sustainable Energy Powering Sustainable Development´, tourism entrepreneurs on Thursday celebrated the 33rd World Tourism Day (WTD) organizing various functions across the country. They also unveiled special packages and incentives to the tourists.
Several tourism organizations welcomed tourists entering the country at the Tribhuvan International Airport and other entry points.
Hoteliers and restaurateurs gave away discounts of up to 50 percent on accommodation and food to the foreign tourists.
At a special ceremony organized by the Nepal Tourism Board, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Post Bahadur Bogati officially unveiled the trekking map of Dolpo Trek along with promotional materials, including the new website of Great Himalaya Trail (GHT). Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) had prepared the detail map and promotional CD for Dolpo.
Minister Bogati praised the efforts of private sector in promoting tourism. “Tourism industry has a huge potential and it can work as a catalyst to bring economic revolution,” said he.
Travel trade associations in different parts of the country took out rallies in the morning on Thursday to mark the day. In Kathmandu, the rally had begun from Thamel and concluded in Basantpur.
The entrepreneurs also provided free entrance to the tourists in a number of tourist destinations. Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) provided 25 percent discount on food for all the tourists who arrived on Thursday in all its member hotels.
HAN has also announced free four-night accommodation to five tourists on the basis of lucky-draw.
Taragaun Development Board also declared a 50 percent discount on accommodation for tourists arriving between September 23 to 27.
Likewise, Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN) also gave away complimentary vouchers for lunch or dinner to eighty couples. Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) offered 20 percent discount to all rafter on Thursday.
Entrepreneurs in Pokhara and Chitwan extended a special welcome and honor to the first groups of tourists landing in the cities via air and land routes on Thursday.
Tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara offered free packages that among others, included meal and accommodation to the six tourists selected through a lucky draw.
“Chinese duo Xiao Veying and Chen Viming and Kiminori Sugiura of Japan who traveled via air won the package, whereas Uko of Japan, Jakqui Wever of Austrailia and Hiran Karmacharya, a Nepali permanently residing in Austraila, entering Pokhara by bus too received the offer,” said Tikaram Sapkota, president of Pokhara Tourism Council.
Two tourists from among the first group of tourists that reached Pokhara on the day were also offered a free paragliding over the lake-city.
“Kiminori Sugiura and Uko duo of Japan got the free paragliding package. Similarly, other tourists too have been offered free package that includes lodging, meal, hiking and sightseeing,” said Sapkota.
Similarly, Chitwan Tourism Development Committee (CTDC) felicitated the tourist who landed first at Bharatpur Airport on Thursday.
Likewise, 16 tourists who flew to Chitwan in the first flight of Buddha Air were also given special welcome. Him Nath Dawadi, chief district officer of Chitwan, Dr Til Chandra Bhattarai, president of Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dilip Mainali, president of CTDC had welcome the tourists offering Khadas.
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