— Hari Man Lama

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Hari Man Lama is the chief executive officer of Incentive Tours and Sansui Treks. Lama is also associated with the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) and has been long involved in the tourism sector in the country. He spoke to SANJAYA DHAKAL on a few issues related to the sector. Excerpts:

What is the state of the tourism sector?

It is down. The entrepreneurs are feeling depressed. The situation is really very bad. Although there has been no direct threat to tourists or trekkers, the overall environment of violence has hit the industry.

What about the trekking sector?

Well, as trekking is also a part of the larger tourism sector, naturally it has also been affected. But we need to tell our tourists that there has been no direct threat to trekkers and tourists from the ongoing insurgency in the country. We must start sending out positive signals and bring the industry back on track.

The government is organizing the Destination Nepal Campaign (DNC) to revive the industry. What do you say?

As a promotional event, DNC is fine. But one has to be sure that such campaigns bring about some tangible changes in the industry. I have heard that the budget for the DNC is insubstantial. Without adequate resources, it would be difficult to inject fresh life in the industry.

What do you think is the road ahead for the industry, now?

I believe the government needs to recognize tourism as the major industry in the country. In fact, there is no other industry in the country that is so all encompassing. From small-time vegetable vendors to top executives, tourism can provide employment opportunities to all and sundry.

‘First, There Should Be Political Solution’

— Tek Chandra Pokharel

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Tek Chandra Pokharel, chief of Himalayan Journeys, is a respected senior tourism entrepreneur in the country. He spoke to SANJAYA DHAKAL on related topics. Excerpts:

What is the mood of tourism entrepreneurs at present?

The mood is very somber. We did celebrate the World Tourism Day last week but with a very heavy heart. At no point of time in our short history, have we felt so much depressed. We had hoped for a better season now but with the continued violence and talk of election, it has been dashed. Usually during election time tourists try to keep away.

So how are the entrepreneurs coping?

Well, they managed to survive the last six months. Now I think in next two to three months more than 40,000 employees will lose their jobs. I think the wave of laying employees off will start shortly as entrepreneurs will be unable to sustain themselves.

What will be the solution to this imbroglio, then?

Naturally, without the political solution, nothing will be alright. There are two ways of doing that. Either the government should end this problem through dialogue or it should quash the rebels. As it has not been able to do the latter, the viable option now is to engage in dialogue and bring a peaceful end to this problem.

In the meantime, can’t tourism entrepreneurs continue with their business?

They cannot. Yes, there are many examples where countries have tried to salvage their economy even during civil wars. But these examples are not good enough. Look at Sri Lanka, had that country not suffered civil war, its tourism would have shot astronomically. As things stand, its tourism figures at present hovers around those in 1984.