Kathmandu: Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Deepak Raj Joshi, has shared that though investment in the tourism sector has increased, the number of foreign tourists has not increased as expected. At an orientation jointly organized by Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association and NTB, Joshi argued that the lack of necessary infrastructure construction is one of the reasons behind the lower-than-expected number of tourists visiting Nepal.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Joshi emphasized that the failure to meet tourist targets is due to the absence of adequate tourist infrastructure. He expressed optimism that the number of foreign tourists could increase in the next two years as construction of various infrastructures, including roads, is underway across the country. Joshi added that concerned bodies should actively engage in infrastructure construction with due responsibility and suggested providing quality service to tourists.
Senior Sub-Inspector at Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Rajeev Bista, highlighted the importance of responsibility among tourist vehicle drivers. Bista stated that responsible behavior from drivers and their helpers could help reduce accidents and emphasized the importance of following traffic rules.
Association Chairperson Bed Raj Bastola shared that the orientation aims to impart theoretical and practical knowledge to make drivers and their helpers skillful, ensuring they follow safety measures and maintain good manners towards tourists. He also mentioned that driver helpers should be equally responsible during journeys. The two-day program has seen the participation of 92 people, including tourist vehicle drivers and their helpers.