Visit Nepal 2011 - Official Video

The natural scenery, high mountains, incomparable cultural heritage and numerous specialties have made Nepal a well-known destination in the world tourism map with a distinct image of its own. However, the development of tourism is limited in number and within the certain areas of the country only. The new government has shown greater concerns about the real value of tourism and its role in contributing to economic growth, poverty alleviation, equity and overall tourism development in the country.

Therefore, the government is placing high priority on the tourism sector in its new economic development policy. As there is a favorable political situation in the country, the government is all geared towards economic revolution in next 10 years for the up-liftment of the masses. In this connection, government of Nepal in consultation with Nepalese Tourism Industry, concerned organizations and experts decided to launch a national tourism campaign “Nepal Tourism Year 2011″. This announcement reflects the government’s anticipation to bring into at least one million international tourists in Nepal by the year 2011 and spread the benefits of tourism to the people at large. The national campaign also indicates the tourism industry’s exigency to organize a tourism promotion campaign having wider impact.

With the glittering badge of adventure destination and the adage “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are Gods) that reflects “Atithi Satkar, Nepaliko Sanskar” (Hospitality is Nepalese culture) deeply rooted in our culture, the tourism products of Nepal never cease to mesmerize the visitors. The cultural, geographical, ethnic and bio-diversities of the country allure international visitors to Nepal time and again which truly substantiates the spirit of Nepal tourism brand; ‘Naturally Nepal, once is not enough !

The concept of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 envisions harnessing these opportunities and strengths and bringing together the commitment of the government, expertise and experiences of the organizations like Nepal Tourism Board, aptitude and dynamism of the private sector and communities for further tourism development in the country. Active involvement of the major political parties, members of the Constitution Assembly and Right groups is always taken into consideration in order to make the campaign inclusive and participatory in modus operandi and effective in result. The campaign will also focus on mobilizing the networks of the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) communities, Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad, I/NGOs, airlines, and national and international media. Similarly, friends and well-wishers of Nepal, tourism academicians and celebrities will also be approached in order to highlight the campaign internally as well as internationally.

Objectives of the campaign

• Ø  Establish Nepal as a choice of premier holiday destination with a definite brand image,
• Ø  Improve and extend tourism related infrastructures in existing and new tourism sites,
• Ø  Enhance the capacity of service renders,
• Ø  Build community capacity in the new areas to cater the need of the tourists, and
• Ø  Promote domestic tourism for sustainability of the industry.

Promotional Strategies

1. Focusing marketing and promotion activities on regional and emerging markets,
2. Exploration of new tourism potential market segments,
3. Highlighting the tourism brand: Naturally Nepal once is not enough!,
4. Enhancement of air connectivity with the regional, emerging and potential markets,
5. Lobbying with the government for sufficient budget allocation to improve and expand, tourism related activities infrastructures in existing and new tourism areas,
6. Attract and encourage private sector for investment in tourism sector,
7. Capacity building of human resource involved in tourism,
8. Lobbying with the government for effective intervention in domestic tourism, development e.g. amendment in the Transportation Act,
9. Promotion of domestic tourism by endorsing Leave Travel Concession (LTC) by the Government, and
10. Organize major sports/events in association with tourism associations and stakeholders, during the Nepal Tourism Year 2011.(At least one event in a month)