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- Press
Release - Nepal Tourism Board
(September 30, 2002)
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Withdrawal
of Emergency a boon to Nepal's Tourism
Nearly
after a month of withdrawal of the emergency imposed by His
Majesty’s Government of Nepal, the public life in Nepal is
running normally as in the past times. The prominent tourist
attractions, for which Nepal is renowned for viz. Kathmandu
Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Annapurna region, etc
continue to receive tourists from all over the world. The recent
arrival figures, 17, 285 in 2002 as against the previous year
18, 383 (2001) for the month of August, or a mere drop of 5.9%
also speak volumes in our collective bid to drive and recoup
from the international hangover. Moreover, all the popular
trekking and general tourist destinations within Nepal are also
experiencing a free and fun-filled normal life.
The incessant monsoon shower bode farewell for this year, wiping
the clouds for full fledged appearance of the majestic mountains
and snow capped high Himalayas providing extra splendor by
welcoming the visitors and making their visit a life time
memory.
The Nepalese people say that somewhere every day in the little
Asiatic Kingdom of Nepal there is a festival, and the gods have
provided them with a perfect setting. At this hour of
celebration, Nepal's greatest festival "Dashain" has
almost reached to our courtyard so the tourists have started
planing their visit to Nepal in droves.
Tour operators, journalists and tourists invited under our
regular familiarization trip after the withdrawal of Emergency
have affirmed that their holiday in Nepal, both in Kathmandu and
in up-country areas, are going well with no unexpected
logistical or security concerns.
International seminars, symposiums, workshops and conferences
are taking place as scheduled in Nepal. The fifth SAARC writers
Conference also concluded (27-29 September 2002) with the theme
"Striving for cultural connectivity and peace".
Tourists arriving in Nepal by air on World Tourism Day (Sep 27,
2002) also experienced a taste of Nepalese hospitality and
tradition famous all over the world. Passengers landing at the
Tribhuvan International Airport on that day by the first flights
from major airlines were greeted with garlands by Hon. Minister
for Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation Mr. Bal Bahadur K.C.
As always Nepal continues to extend a very warm and friendly
welcome to our guests in our tradition of treating Guest is like
God.
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- PRESS
RELEASE - Nepal Tourism Board
- May
29, 2002
- Nepal
wins Observer Travel Award 2002
Thousands of travellers have voted Nepal as their favorite long-haul
country. This was the result of the readership poll carried out by
the Observer and the Guardian newspapers, well known publications of
the United Kingdom. Surveys after surveys are now reconfirming
what came through time and again in feedback from visitors and in
overseas press coverage.
More than 15,000 people responded the questionnaire published in
January 2002 in which readers were asked to rate the quality of
services they received, under 20 headings. The result of the survey, published
on Sunday Observer on May 26, 2002, places Nepal in the second
position with a score of 94.95 percent while New Zealand retains
its first position with a 95.59 percent.
Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Pradeep Raj
Pandey says, "Such recognition from travellers is excellent for
Nepal. It certainly reaffirms Nepal's reputation as a destination
offering the best of scenery and adventure, multitude of
possibilities to have a great holiday and inhabited by the most
friendly and charming people."
The latest accolade follows six months after Nepal was voted second
in the Top Country Category out of the 180 countries in the
Wanderlust Travel Awards 2001.
Those planning a trip this season will want to take note of the
line-up of activities in Nepal. His Majesty's Government of Nepal
has announced Destination Nepal Campaign 2002-2003 (DNC 2002-2003),
which will bring together all the best Nepal has to offer. Some of
the major programs incorporated with the DNC are the "International
Year of Mountains 2002"; "Mt. Everest Golden
Jubilee Celebrations 2002-2003" commemorating the first
conquest of Mt. Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and late
Tenzing Norgay Sherpa; and "International Year of Eco
Tourism 2002".
The conquest of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, the tallest peak in the
world, is being celebrated from June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003
with a variety of programs. The one-year long Golden Jubilee
programs include several sporting and other events like
international cricket tournament, white water rafting, golf, rock
climbing, football, cross country relay race, mountain-bike race,
bowling, gliding, elephant polo competition, photo and other
exhibitions and so on.
Adding dazzling color to Nepal's myriad attractions are the
festivals that dot the calendar. "Hundreds of annual festivals
are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting
enduring customs and beliefs. We look forward to welcoming visitors
to join us in our celebrations", says Mr. Pandey.
Information Management and Planning Section
- Nepal
Tourism Board
- P
O. Box: 11018,
- Bhrikuti
Mandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
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