Himal Press 
Tourists at Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
KATHMANDU: The High-level Economic Reforms Commission has suggested that the government address infrastructure gaps, enhance service quality and promote diverse tourism offerings to develop Nepal as a premier tourist destination in the region. This, according to the commission, could unlock significant economic and social benefits for the country.
In its report submitted to the Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel on Friday, the commission has said that the government’s key priority should be in removing Nepal from the European aviation blacklist. For this, it has recommended that the government restructure the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) by separating its regulatory and service delivery functions. Likewise, it has also called for a complete overhaul of Nepali Airlines’ operations, focusing on financial viability, technical capacity, workforce skills and service standards to ensure safety and reliability.
It has also recommended immediate capacity expansion of Tribhuvan International Airport to accommodate growing tourist inflows. Likewise, it has urged for accelerating the operationalization of two newly built international airports—Pokhara and Gautam Buddha—by implementing the cabinet-approved roadmap from August 2024. Additionally, it has called for expediting the construction of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport for long-term aviation safety and accessibility.
The commission has proposed establishing state-of-the-art, eco-friendly tourism centers in every province through public-private partnerships to enhance the visitor experience. “These centers would offer MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism facilities, ethnic museums showcasing local art and traditions, and Disneyland-style attractions to appeal to diverse audiences,” it added.
Likewise, the commission has recommended upgrading four key tourism destinations in every province—covering cultural, religious, adventure and entertainment themes—among the 100 destinations identified by the government. It has suggested upgrading roads along major tourism corridors, such as Kathmandu-Chitwan and Pokhara-Lumbini, to at least four lanes to ensure swift and safe travel.
The commission has recommended setting up a Tourism Sector Skill Council in collaboration with the private sector to develop a skilled workforce for the industry. It has also proposed transforming the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management into a full-fledged university and setting up provincial tourism academies to nurture local talent.
To boost domestic tourism, the commission has suggested institutionalizing tourism leave policies and mandatory vacations in the government and corporate sectors. It has also suggested upgrading iconic trekking routes like the Great Himalayan Trail and Manaslu Trail by building eco-friendly rest stops reflecting local architecture, equipped with water, toilets, electricity and digital connectivity.
To tap into the Indian market, the commission has suggested developing entertainment-focused tourism hubs near border cities. It has also recommended creating hill stations in the Chure and Mahabharat ranges by leasing land to private developers for sustainable projects.
To attract foreign investment in the tourism sector, the commission has recommended offering land leases for multi-purpose tourism projects, including snow tourism, luxury resorts and niche experiences.
