NTB asked to unveil budget after coordinating with stakeholders

KATHMANDU: Experts of tourism sector have suggested the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to present its budget for the recovery and revival of tourism sector by coordinating with federal, province and local level of the governments.

The experts shared such views at an interaction programme organised virtually by the NTB on Thursday to solicit stakeholders’ views in regard to its budget for fiscal year 2021/22.

The speakers have asked the NTB to unveil programmes for the maximum utilisation of its limited resources. They argued that the tourism sector gradually should be made vibrant by ensuring vaccine against COVID-19 and maintaining health protocol.

On the occasion, former tourism secretary Dipendra Purus Dhakal stated that the Federal Government should provide grant to the NTB for tourism promotion in the current time of crisis.

Likewise, Dr Bishnu Prasad Gautam asked the NTB to bring its budget only after coordinating with the three-tier of governments and by reviewing its own past activities.

During the programme, experts have asked the NTB to work for recovery and revival plans for at least two to three years by bringing all stakeholders on board.

Dr Som Prasad Khatiwada, Dr Prem Sharma, Ram Chandra Sedhain, Chetnath Kandel and Surya Kiran Shrestha, among others expressed their opinions during the virtual meeting.

Likewise, other experts stressed the need for human resource development and digital marketing of tourism products adding that COVID-19 was an opportunity to do this besides a challenge.

Speaking at the event, NTB’s Vice Chairman Chandra Prasad Rijal promised to move ahead to bring policy reforms by incorporating the recommendations of the experts and stakeholders.