KATHMANDU, Nepal–With the theme, ‘Development of Tourism and Community’ International Tourism Day-2014 was observed in the Capital Kathmandu.
The International Tourism Day is marked every year on September 27 since 1980, following the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) decision so as to raise awareness on the social, cultural, economical and financial importance of tourism through such a worldwide celebration.
The main organizing committee comprising Ministry of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board and some private organizations started the rally from Tridevi Marga of Thamel and ended up with a corner gathering at Basantapur.
On the same occasion, Sureshman Shrestha, the Chairman of Nepal Tourism Board, declared ‘Kaulepani Gaun’ of Lamjung district as a ‘World Tourism Day Village’ for 2014/15.
Chairman Shrestha urged for a unity between government agencies and private companies to promote tourism in the country.
He also informed that another international airport will be constructed in Bhairawaha in view with the promotion of tourism expanding the air connectivity.
Similarly, Forum for Village Tourism Promotion’s Chairman Chitra Bahadur Gurung underscored the need for the village-centered tourism rather than the city-oriented one.
While some 0.8 million tourists visited Nepal in 2013, the government aims to increase the influx of the tourists to 0.9 million at the end of this fiscal year, Shrestha added.
According to the Main Organizing Committee, the International Tourism Day was observed with fanfare in all 75 districts across the country.