The Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 secretariat today unveiled its programmes during a briefing on the official launch of NTY 2011 that is scheduled for February 26 at Tundikhel. Under the programme, a peace torch will be taken from Lumbini to Kathmandu and the NTY 2011 secretariat head will pass the torch to a high-profile personality while parades from six different places in the valley will be held.

Representatives of the private sector and tourism entrepreneurs appreciated the planning for the official launch. However, they also opined that the launch programme was rather Kathmandu-centric. The participants also suggested some changes for the consideration of the secretariat.

Speaking during the programme, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) vice-president Suray Vaidya called for commitment from all the political parties to develop a peaceful environment. The NTY 2011 logo should be a must in official documents like letterheads and stationery for the brand promotion, said tourism entrepreneurs and members of the private sector. FNCCI president Kush Kumar Joshi said, “FNCCI will do its best and utmost for the brand promotion of NTY 2011 at all levels.” Suman Shrestha of Gokarna Resort too insisted on carrying the NTY 2011 logos on official documents and letterheads for better brand promotion.

During the briefing, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation joint secretary Laxman Bhattarai said, “There is full commitment from the government’s side to make NTY 2011 a grand success. Similarly, there should also be commitments from leaders of all political parties for at least two years.” Bhattarai also urged for keeping the tourism year in the top priority list and adequate budget for infrastructure development of the tourism industry. Talking about the accommodation problem for the targeted one million tourists, Nepal Tourism Board chief executive officer Prachanda Man Shrestha said that facilities have to be arranged according to the demand.

Shrestha said, “Whenever a demand is created, investors are seen to be more focused regarding the increased demand and it is fulfilled with their investments. Hence, the present issue regarding accommodation problem will also be solved along with the demand.” He added that during the Visit Nepal Year 10 years ago, there was demand for accommodation for five lakh tourists but the programme was a success. The only problem is growing uncertainty of the political scenario, he added.