Tourism in Nepal bouncing back to normalcy
The heritage monuments in quake-hit Nepal are being restored to woo tourists.
The Himalayan land that shares a century-old civilization with India is Nepal that was recently struck by the great Himalayan tragedy. Post tragedy, all is not lost for the tourism industry of the country. Kathmandu, one of the best-known destinations and the home of the living goddess has geared up to provide a perfect holiday experience to travel bugs. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha is the spiritual hub.
Surendra Thapa, Deputy Consul General of Nepal in Kolkata said, “There has been partial damage of public properties in 11 districts of the country. There has been a sharp drop in tourist footfalls by 50 per cent after the tragedy. The best known trekking trails like Mt. Everest, Annapurna, and Kanchenjunga have escaped the ravages of the quake. Around 43 heritage sites have suffered partial damage in Kathmandu while as many as 20 monuments have collapsed in Bhaktapur. Around 10 per cent hotels in Kathmandu have been affected by the tremors. The reputed heritage structure of Changu Narayan will reopen for tourists once the restoration work is over. Kashta Mandap in Durbar Square of Kathmandu and Vatsala Devi Temple in Bhaktapur have been revived.” Thapa was speaking at a road show themed “Nepal- A tourist destination” hosted by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kolkata.
Tourism is one of the main occupations of the residents of Nepal and nearly 1,50,000 Indian travellers tour the Himalayan country every year. There are more than 60 weekly flights flying from the Indian metros to Kathmandu. Thapa added, “All highways in the country are safe for travelling and around 90 per cent motels have bounced back to activity. Indian tourists need to plan out their holidays to Nepal after the rainy season.”
Status of restoration of heritage sites in Nepal:
• NTB has doled out Rs 10 crore.
• Kashta Mandap in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and Vatsala Devi Temple in Bhaktapur have been restored.
• All highways are safe and around 90 per cent motels are open for tourists.
• Around 43 heritage structures in Kathmandu and 20 sites in Bhaktapur have suffered partial damage.
"“There has been a sharp drop in tourist footfalls by 50 per cent after the tragedy,”"
You might also like
Gan Airport begins boosting tourism in southern Maldives
The opening of international flights to Gan airport, adjacent to Addu township in the south of the Maldives, has opened a new era for the region – providing an alternative
Something’s Bubbling in Paradise by the Small Maldives Island Co
Retro-chic resort launches luxury ‘Beach Bubble’ tent – a first for the Maldives The glamping trend is about to blow up in the Maldives, as the Indian Ocean’s grooviest getaway,
India’s is the world’s 7th largest tourism economy in terms of GDP says WTTC
India’s travel and tourism sector ranks 7th in the world in terms of its total contribution to the country’s GDP, according to a new report of the World Travel and