(English) Tourism top priority of Govt
KATHMANDU, Nepal–The government has put priority on tourism sector in the country. While announcing the budget for fiscal year 2014/15, Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat stressed on the development of tourism infrastructures.
The government has set aside Rs 3.92 billion for tourism related infrastructure development and culture promotional programs out of total 618.1 billion for the fiscal year 2014/15.
Similarly, it has allocated Rs 7.08 billion for construction and upgrading of airports.
Presenting the budget in parliament, Minister Mahat brought out plan to upgrade Tribhuwan International airport (TIA) equipping latest technologies.
The government will develop Biratnagar, Nepalgunj and Dhangadi airports as well-equipped regional airports. Similarly, necessary infrastructures will be built at airports in Janakpur, Bhadrapur and Surkhet so that they support take off and landing of flights even during night.
Through the budget speech, the government planned to start construction of Gautam Budhha Regional Airport and Pokhara Airport from the coming fiscal year. Similarly, it will relocate the residents of Nijgadh area of Bara to build second international airport and Rs 500 million has been allocated for the same.
For the first time, the government has announced 100 percent tax exemption for 10 years for those entrepreneurs willing to build resorts near popular lakes. Likewise, the government also planned to bring in private investments to construct musical water fountain in Fewa Lake.
The government has announced that it will promote Great Himalaya Trial in national and international arena.