In July 2022, the Nepalese government launched the "Visit Nepal 2023" campaign to breathe new life into the country's tourism industry, which had suffered greatly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeevanram Shrestha, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, made the announcement. Lasting from 2023 to 2033, this decade-long campaign will play a crucial role in revitalizing the tourism sector.
The impact of this initiative is far-reaching, as it seeks to restore and improve tourism while providing incentives for travel operators to reestablish their businesses. For example, the government has declared a reduction in annual licensing and registration fees for those in the tourism sector.
Two additional international airports have been constructed - one of which, the Gautam Buddha International Airport, is already in service. This project also aims to establish Nepal as a prime location for international film production. Furthermore, numerous mountains are now open for peak climbing expeditions, and plans are in place to launch nighttime markets and tours throughout the Kathmandu Valley. These tours will encompass UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur.
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRN) has partnered with the government in this endeavor by launching a "ONE NEPALI ONE FOREIGN FRIEND" initiative. The Visit Nepal Decade plan is in full motion, providing renewed hope for those working in the tourism sector.
This campaign is advantageous for both tourism operators and tourists themselves. The former can conduct their businesses without hindrance while visitors can score incredible travel deals. Ultimately, this initiative is anticipated to lay the groundwork for sustainable tourism development in Nepal.