Kathmandu, July 11: Bagmati Province’s Minister for Culture and Tourism Suresh Shrestha asserted that Kathmandu’s iconic tourist hub, Thamel, has played a vital role in establishing Nepal’s identity on the international tourism map.
Addressing the 30th and 31st annual general assembly of Thamel Tourism Development Council here today, Minister Shrestha acknowledged that Thamel, a popular commercial and tourism centre, has made a significant contribution to the growth of tourism industry.
On the occasion, he shared that the Bagmati Province Government has allocated Rs4 billion for tourism promotion and development of tourism infrastructure for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 BS.
Noting that some tourism entrepreneurs who are running business in rented space in Thamel are struggling to pay rent, the Minister urged the Council to address their concerns.
Similarly, Rojina Shrestha, Chairperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16 highlighted the need to develop Thamel into a safe, well-managed and technology-driven tourism destination.
Echoing with Minister Shrestha, she asserted that Thamel has played an instrumental role in introducing Nepal at global stage.
Likewise, Kumarmani Thapaliya, President of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, observed that most foreign visitors to Nepal visit Thamel at least once. He, however, expressed his concern that the bustling tourist area was becoming increasingly congested lately.
He argued that Nepal’s tourism sector would not achieve a sustained growth without greater investment in the aviation sector.
During the programme, Council Chairman Dhruva Adhikari called on the federal government to launch a special development plan for Thamel.
Other speakers called for more efforts to develop the area as a premier international tourist destination.
Established in 2048 BS, the Council currently has more than 1,500 house owners and Thamel-based tourism entrepreneurs.
