FNCCI Tourism President stresses private sector role in Nepal’s tourism growth

KATHMANDU: The President of the Tourism and Aviation Committee under the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Deshbandhu Basnet (Ajit), has said that the private sector has played a crucial role in achieving most of Nepal’s progress in the tourism industry.

As his three-year tenure as a member of the FNCCI Executive Committee nears completion, Basnet stated that he has consistently coordinated and engaged with various government bodies to address issues in the tourism sector and promote necessary reforms.

Appointed in Jestha 2080 BS by FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Basnet has since held multiple rounds of discussions with the Prime Minister’s Office, relevant ministries, departments, and subordinate agencies regarding challenges and solutions in tourism and aviation.

He said the need to operate both Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport at full capacity, a matter he has continuously raised through FNCCI platforms.

According to him, although the government has introduced several incentive schemes to attract international flights to these airports, the expected results have not yet been achieved.

“We are hopeful that the new government will take effective diplomatic initiatives to ensure full operation of both international airports,” Basnet said.

He also highlighted continued advocacy for amendments to tourism laws, granting hotel businesses industry-level status, and reviewing VAT provisions imposed on air tickets.

Basnet noted that although the previous government had already decided to recognize hotels as industry-equivalent, practical implementation is still required.

He further stressed the need to connect Nepal directly with European countries through air routes and called for meaningful efforts from the government and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to remove Nepal from the EU aviation blacklist.

He also underscored the importance of active private sector participation in branding Nepal effectively in the international market through the Nepal Tourism Board.

Expressing gratitude, Basnet thanked FNCCI officials, vice presidents, committee members, and advisors for their support during his tenure.

He specifically acknowledged Vice Presidents Achyut Sharma Guragai and Nilhari Bastola, committee members Shiv Adhikari, Kul Prasad Neupane, Sirjana Shrestha Nepali, Sachin Dhakal, Ramesh Thapa, and Binayak Shah.

He also appreciated the guidance of advisors Shashikant Agrawal, Bikram Pandey, and recently elected Member of Parliament Dr. Dhananjay Regmi.

Reaffirming his commitment, Basnet said he will continue to remain active in supporting the growth and expansion of Nepal’s private sector, expressing confidence in continued cooperation and support from the business community.