Kathmandu, June 1 (RSS):  Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bal Bahadur K.C. inaugurated a workshop on “Sustainable Tourism Development” jointly organised by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and UNDP on Friday.

In his inaugural address, Minister K.C. stressed the need for charting out a masterplan to boost tourism industry in the country which is witnessing a slump in the recent days.

He noted that efforts should be made to alleviate poverty and reduce regional imbalances by boosting tourism industry especially the rural tourism.

Reminding that the Tenth Plan has given top priority to poverty alleviation along with a long term masterplan about the sustainable development of tourism, he said national economy has suffered greatly as a result of a decrease in the inflow of tourists into the country.

He referred to agriculture, water resources and tourism as the major areas for bringing about advancement in economic sector of the country and opined that government also required to make a substantial investment in tourism industry.

Member of National Planning Commission Dr. Shankar Sharma said he had experienced during his visits to a number of developed countries that they considered Nepal one of the most popular outbound destinations from the point of view of tourism.

Assistant residential representative of UNDP to Nepal Bhesraj Dhamala said that it would extend co-operation in tourism sector of Nepal so as to fight against poverty, the main thrust of His Majesty’s Government.

Dr. Gyanendra Ratna Tuladhar and a consultant from World Tourism Organisation Ludwig made presentations on “Tourism for Sustainable Development” on which participants commented and suggested various measures.