Tourism Minister Paudel stresses collaboration with private sector

Kathmandu: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel has said the government is committed to working in partnership with the private sector to promote and develop Nepal’s tourism industry.

Addressing the 59th annual general meeting of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) in Kathmandu today, Minister Paudel said the government has prioritised tourism development and is working to address policy and structural challenges facing the sector.

He stressed the need for greater collaboration between the government and the private sector to drive economic growth and lead the country towards greater prosperity.

Minister Paudel said efforts were underway to resolve policy and structural issues hindering the development of tourism and create a more favourable environment for private-sector investment.

He also said the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) is preparing to introduce health tourism-related courses at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Meanwhile, Minister Paudel said the government plans to operate the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.