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Govt Apathy Hindering Tourism Growth: Experts
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| Kathmandu, December 21 Though Nepal is among a few countries where recreational aviation is possible for 10 months a year, tourism through air-sports has still not ttaken off, thanks to government apathy to make laws for its development. "Fuzzy sport aviation policies are hindering the vast potential of booming tourism, which has doubled since the peace process started," said Natasha Shrestha, general-secretary of the Nepal Air-sports Association. She said in Europe and other parts of the world, people could not enjoy air sports due to unfavourable climate. "But Nepal is suitable for air-sports all through the year except July and August," she added. Six companies are running paragliding, hot air balloon and ultra-light plane services. The Balloon Sunrise was inviting over 400 tourists annually when it was stopped due to security reasons in 2003. Avia Club Nepal, which has a hot air balloon and ultra-light planes, is drawing over 1,400 tourists every year. The Sunrise Paragliding offers tourists to glide in the skies of Pokhara. In addition, three more companies have applied to run paragliding services. According to her, a special air sports body needs to be established, combining Nepal Air-sports Association, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board to resolve all policy-level problems related to air sports and tourism. "Besides, we can explore air sports activities like aero modelling, acrobatics, hang gliding, parachuting rotorcraft and so on," she added. Dominic Cardy, acting resident country director of the National Democratic Institute and a flier, said he had not been able to bring his aircraft from Pokhara due to legal restrictions. "Rules are necessary but they must be people-friendly," he said. Mohan Adhikari, director general of the CAAN, said the government was positive about developing air sports for promotion of tourism in Nepal. "All stakeholders, including the government, CAAN, NTB and companies, should join hands to attract more tourists to Nepal," he said. However, he said there had to be a clear demarcation between limits of adventure and safety measures. |
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