Pokhara, December 15
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai has assured that the government would soon introduce a new rule requiring airline companies to charge both Nepali and foreign passengers of domestic flights the same amount of airfare.
Bhattarai’s assurance follows a recommendation from the government-commissioned committee to end discrimination on the basis of nationality while deciding the airfare.
Speaking at a function in Pokhara on Sunday, Bhattarai said he had already begun discussions with the companies to revise the fare. “There are not different airfares for foreigners and natives in any country, and it will not be so in Nepal also,” he said, “I am planning to fix an equal airfare for all, by bringing all stakeholders to an agreement.”
Earlier, the committee led by former secretary Suresh Man Shrestha had pointed out that expensive prices for foreign travellers had established Nepal as an expensive destination, which would have an adverse impact on the country’s tourism industry.
