Kathmandu: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Poudel, has announced that the government is actively working to protect and promote culture, alongside developing the tourism sector. He emphasized the prioritization of the civil aviation sector’s development and expansion.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Poudel responded to queries during the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2083 in the National Assembly on Monday. He highlighted that a new tourism act will include regulations prohibiting climbing Mt Sagarmatha without prior experience on mountains above 7,000 meters. This move aims to reduce the pressure on Sagarmatha in the coming days.
The Minister noted that over 132,000 Indian tourists visited the Muktinath area last year. He stressed the importance of cooperation among government and non-government entities, as well as donor agencies and the diaspora, to boost tourist arrivals and promote tourism.
Minister Poudel clarified plans to develop Nijgadh as an alternative international airport. He mentioned that a tourist resting place has been constructed on land in Ayodhya, provided by the Indian government, which is expected to strengthen Nepal-India relations further.
He also informed the parliament about ongoing diplomatic efforts to establish air routes for Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International airports. The National Assembly is scheduled to reconvene at 12:15 pm tomorrow.