‘Devbhumi Nepal’ Campaign Among Government’s Ambitious Tourism Plans; ‘Visit Nepal’ Set for 2085

Kathmandu – The government has announced the launch of a ‘Devbhumi Nepal’ national campaign to establish Nepal as a global spiritual tourism hub through its policy and programme for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. Presenting the policy and programme at the joint sitting of the Federal Parliament on Monday, President Ram Chandra Poudel stated that religious, cultural, wellness, film, and adventure tourism have been accorded special priority.

The government has prioritised infrastructure expansion and the full operation of international airports to make air services reliable. The policy and programme sets out the goal of carrying out structural reforms in the civil aviation sector, increasing private sector participation, and strictly complying with international safety standards. It mentions that diplomatic initiatives will be taken to attract additional international air service providers to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport.

To ease tourism services, tourist visa services will be fully integrated into an online system, and a ‘One-Door Digital Tourism System’ will be implemented to provide integrated tourist permits and services right from immigration points, the policy and programme states. The government is preparing to celebrate the year 2085 BS as ‘Visit Nepal’ year, setting ambitious targets to increase tourist arrivals, spending, and length of stay.

For adventure tourism, the promotion of activities such as paragliding, bungee jumping, and sky diving will be pursued. At least ten new trekking trails will be identified and brought into operation across the Himalayan, mid-hill, and Tarai regions.

The government plans to modernise the search and rescue system by integrating it with advanced technology for the safety of mountain tourism. A plan has also been put forward to restructure the Nepal Tourism Board under a public-private partnership model to make it more innovative. The policy mentions developing the tourism ecosystem by giving special priority to new tourist destinations in Karnali, Sudurpashchim, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces.