Kathmandu, September 7
Nepal tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders have demanded that the government now declare the country as open to tourists claiming the Covid-19 pandemic effects have significantly subsided.
They say Nepal is a safe destination for tourists now as the coronavirus infection rate is decreasing whereas most workers in the industry have been vaccinated.
During an interaction held in Kathmandu on Monday, they demanded the government now remove all quarantine provisions for fully vaccinated tourists and provide on-arrival visas. Likewise, the government should promote Nepal as a safe destination at the international level, they said.
Speaking in the meeting, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal General Secretary Sarita Lama warned the upcoming peak tourism season (September-November) could be hit if the government did not make a decision on time.
Likewise, entrepreneur Raj Gyawali says the government immediately issue a travel advisory informing Nepal is safe for tourists.
In response, the Department of Immigration Chief Jhanka Nath Dhakal said he was positive about resuming the distribution of on-arrival visas and issuing a travel advisory but stated the cabinet has to make a decision in this regard.
