The government of Nepal has allocated nearly Rs12 billion to the tourism sector in its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun announced that Rs11.91 billion has been earmarked specifically for the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. This significant budget allocation is part of the government’s broader strategy to boost tourism and achieve its target of welcoming 1.6 million tourists in the upcoming fiscal year.
As part of these efforts, the government has introduced several initiatives to enhance Nepal’s appeal as a tourist destination. One of the key plans is to promote Nepal as a destination for wedding ceremonies, encouraging foreign tourists to consider the country’s cultural and scenic locations for their nuptial celebrations. To support this, the government will lease government lands to the private sector for the construction of hotels. These hotels will benefit from improved infrastructure, as the government plans to provide roadways, electricity, and water facilities in collaboration with local and provincial governments.
Additionally, a budget of Rs5.46 billion has been allocated specifically for the improvement of tourism infrastructure. This funding will be directed towards repairing roadways, establishing tourist rescue centers in potential risk-prone areas, and other necessary developments to enhance the overall tourist experience. These measures are expected to make travel within Nepal safer and more convenient for tourists, thereby increasing the country’s attractiveness as a travel destination.
Overall, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector, which is a vital component of Nepal’s economy. The substantial budget allocation underscores the importance of tourism and the potential it holds for contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.
