Tourism Infrastructure and Heritage Budget 2082/2083 in Nepal
Branding Nepal as a Safe and Attractive Tourist Destination
Nepal will be branded as a secure and appealing tourist destination through infrastructure development, service quality enhancement, and effective marketing. Special promotional packages will target tourists from neighboring countries.
Expansion of Services at Key Tourist Destinations
Tourist-centered services will be expanded in major destinations including eco-tourism, mountain and adventure tourism, and religious and cultural tourism. Promotional programs will focus on nature, culture, adventure, film, wellness, and sports. Welcome and service centers will be established for overland tourists.
Private Sector Investment in Tourism Areas
Private investment will be encouraged in tourism destinations. Development of jungle safaris, trekking routes, and eco-tourism infrastructure in national parks, reserves, and protected areas will be prioritized. Government-owned and forest lands will be leased for building hill stations, hotels, lodges, and resorts in major tourist areas.
Promotion of High-Altitude and Regional Trekking Routes
In partnership with the private sector and coordinated by the Tourism Board, tourism promotion programs will be conducted. Safe trekking routes will be developed in high mountainous regions. Trekking routes to be promoted include:
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Shuklaphanta–Khaptad
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Bardiya–Rara
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Lumbini–Muktinath
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Sauraha–Gosaikunda
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Janakpurdham–Kalinchowk
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Koshi Tappu–Sagarmatha
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Kechana–Pathibhara
Other routes to be developed include Khaptad, Ramaroshan, Badimalika, Budhinanda, Rara, Swargadwari, and Muktinath. Reliable safety and emergency rescue arrangements will be ensured for climbers and trekkers.
Tax Concessions and Legal Incentives for Tourism Workers
Hotels and resorts will receive income tax and electricity tariff concessions similar to productive industries. Legal arrangements will be made to allow incentives through service charges for workers in hotels, motels, restaurants, jungle safaris, and related tourism services.
Infrastructure at Major Religious and Cultural Sites
Infrastructure development will be undertaken in key religious, cultural, and tourism destinations such as:
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Sagarmatha
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Pashupatinath
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Lumbini
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Janakpurdham
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Muktinath
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Swargadwari
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Rara
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Khaptad
A comprehensive Lumbini Master Plan will be implemented for conservation and promotion. Evening heritage routes will be developed in Swoyambhunath, Hanumandhoka, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath.
Infrastructure along Mid-Hill Highway and Major Rivers
Tourism infrastructure will be developed near scenic spots along the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway. Private sector investment will be encouraged in rafting and tourism activities on major rivers including Karnali, Bheri, Gandaki, Trishuli, and Koshi.
Reform of Civil Aviation Authority and Flight Safety
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal will be institutionalized by separating its regulatory and service delivery functions. Necessary actions will be taken to remove Nepal from international flight safety watchlists within the upcoming fiscal year. Domestic air services will be made safer and more accessible.
Expansion of Tribhuvan International Airport and Pokhara Hub
To manage increasing passenger traffic, Rs. 4.15 billion has been allocated to expand capacity and develop Tribhuvan International Airport into a boutique airport. Pokhara International Airport will be developed into a tourism hub.
Enhancing Services at Gautam Buddha International Airport
Affordable facilities will be provided at Gautam Buddha International Airport to serve tourists and migrant workers. Special concessions will be provided to operate cargo services from this airport.
Incentives for Airlines and Nijgadh Airport Development
Incentives and concessions will be given to international airlines operating from Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports. The construction process for Nijgadh International Airport will proceed using alternative development financing.
Expansion of Domestic Airports
Capacity of the following airports will be expanded:
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Bhadrapur (Jhapa)
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Tarigaun (Dang)
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Suketar (Taplejung)
Preparations will begin for regional airport construction in Surkhet. Detailed project reports will be prepared for:
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Chuhandanda (Tehrathum)
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Ajaymeru (Dadeldhura)
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Sagarmatha Airport (Udayapur)
Rs. 500 million has been allocated for infrastructure development of domestic airports.
Alternative Use of Underutilized Airports
Plans will be developed for alternative use of low-traffic domestic airports. In partnership with the private sector, such airports will be repurposed for aviation training, paragliding, parachuting, ultralight flights, and skydiving. Economic and commercial viability will be the primary consideration for new airport projects.
Preservation of Cultural and Archaeological Heritage
Nepal's ancient history, culture, and archaeological heritage will be preserved. A Panini Knowledge Garden will be constructed in Panena, Arghakhanchi, in honor of Panini Rishi, the founder of Sanskrit grammar. Budget has been allocated for the digital archiving of historically and archaeologically significant documents.
Total Budget Allocation for the Ministry
Rs. 13.28 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.
