Private sector drives Nepal’s tourism success: Chair Basnet
Basnet reflected on the committee’s efforts and engagement with the government and related agencies, noting encouraging outcomes from repeated discussions.
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism sector has achieved significant milestones largely due to the contributions of the private sector, according to Deshbandu Basnet.
As his tenure as Chair of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Tourism and Aviation Committee nears its end, Basnet reflected on the committee’s efforts and engagement with the government and related agencies, noting encouraging outcomes from repeated discussions.
“We consistently emphasized the need for full operational capacity at Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports through the committee and FNCCI. The government even introduced incentives for airlines to operate at these airports. However, despite initial progress, both airports are still not fully functional for international flights,” Basnet said. “We are hopeful that the new government will prioritize diplomatic initiatives to make both airports fully operational.”
During his tenure, Basnet raised multiple issues with the Prime Minister’s Office, relevant ministries, departments, and subordinate agencies, including amending the Tourism Act, granting industry-level facilities to hotels, and reviewing VAT provisions on air tickets.
His efforts contributed to the previous government’s decision to amend the Act, recognizing hotels as industry entities. “Now, practical implementation of this provision is crucial,” he added.
Basnet has also advocated for direct air connectivity between Nepal and European countries, emphasizing the need for the Civil Aviation Authority and the entire government to remove Nepal from the EU blacklist. He stressed that Nepal must be branded internationally through the Nepal Tourism Board, with active participation from the private sector.
Appointed as Chair of the FNCCI Tourism and Aviation Committee in Jestha 2080 by Chair Chandra Dhakal, Basnet expressed gratitude to the leadership and team for their support.
He thanked Vice-Chairs Achyut Sharma Guragain and Nilahari Bastola, committee members Shiva Adhikari, Kulprasad Neupane, Srijana Shrestha Nepali, Sachin Dhakal, Ramesh Thapa, and Binayak Shah.
He also acknowledged advisors Shashikant Agrawal, Bikram Pande, and recently elected House of Representatives member Dr. Dhananjay Regmi for their guidance and suggestions.
