Speaker Aryal Assures Full Operation of Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airports

Kathmandu. Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal has stated that Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airports will be fully operational soon. Addressing the 59th annual general assembly of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATA) on Friday, Aryal expressed confidence that air services from both airports will soon gain continuity. He mentioned that the government is holding intensive discussions for this purpose. He also informed that the government is serious about the Nijgadh Airport construction and that necessary discussions are underway. He emphasized the need for optimal use of technology for the development of the tourism sector and special initiatives to attract the new generation to this field. Mentioning the prevalence of youth in the current government and parliament, he urged citizens to be patient for some time for the development process. Aryal said, 'Intensive discussions are ongoing regarding Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports. I am confident that these airports will soon gain continuity and air services will operate smoothly from there.' He also stated that discussions are progressing on the Nijgadh airport issue and the government is serious about it. Adding that technology should be maximally utilized to attract youth and the new generation to the tourism sector, he further said, 'There is a majority of youth in the government and parliament. They are our brothers and sisters and children. Therefore, we should not panic if the government does not do everything today; the journey of development and prosperity is long.' Aryal stated that society should move forward by supporting reform and development rather than spreading negative messages. Making it clear that the current government has no excuse to fail, he pledged to bring improvements not only in tourism but also in production, import-export, and good governance. Similarly, Aryal stated that a policy restructuring of the Nepal Tourism Board is necessary. He clarified that the tenure of the Tourism Board and the CEO to be appointed should be based on performance. Pointing out the need for structural reform of Nepal Airlines Corporation, he commented that the institution has lagged due to personal interests. Urging the Minister of Tourism to be serious about the reform of the corporation, he emphasized the need for effective coordination between the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Board, Airlines Corporation, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CANA). He called on all stakeholders to be active in removing Nepal from the European Union's air safety list (black list). Aryal stated that for the development of Nepal's tourism sector, the country should move forward with a grand plan to bring in 10 million tourists, rather than being limited to a minimum target of 2-3 million tourists annually. He pointed out the need for a systematic 'tourist bus park' for tourist vehicles, similar to the rule of going to the airport for air travel. Speaking about the under-construction tourism bill, he pledged to enact strong legislation that will address the needs of the next 50 years.