Kathmandu, Mar. 24:Chairman of the Rajparishad Standing Committee Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi declared open the one-day seminar on promotion of environment friendly tourism organised by the Society of Environment Journalists of Nepal here today.

On the occasion Dr. Rayamajhi said that tourism industry plays an important role in the economic development of the country.

Dr. Rayamajhi expressed the view that more tourists could be attracted by fully utilising the natural beauty, and bio and cultural diversity of the country.

Secretary at the Ministry of Population and Environment Dr. Govinda Dev Bhatta said that the Ministry had adopted short and long term policies for improving the environment in the country.

Participants expressed the view that environment friendly tourism should not be limited to Kathmandu and other urban areas but also extended to the rural areas, emphasis should be given to religious tourism by developing Lumbini as a sacred pilgrimage place in the world, Nepal Bandh and other political activities like mass meetings and demonstrations should not be allowed at tourism places and hospitality awareness should be developed among the people.

At the seminar chaired by society’s president Sanubabu Silwal, Dr. Gyan Lal Shrestha, Dr. Surendra Bhakta Pradhananga, Surya Prakash Shrestha and Madhav Raj Bhandari also expressed their views on environment friendly tourism.