Kathmandu, June 14:At a time when country’s tourism industry is in dire need of diversification of tourism products, people in this sector strongly feel that the government should take it seriously for better outcome. It is high time to modify the tourism products by introducing new programmes. For this according to tourism experts, the government should accord top priority to tourism industry which has been considered as a major contributor to the national economy.

At a press meet organised by Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA), tourism experts were of the view that Tibet – the autonomous region of China should include Nepal as one of the tourism destinations that help both Nepal and China to promote their tourism industry. Tourism authority in Tibet are very positive to develop such kind of package, said NATA president Bhola Bikram Thapa.

Thapa was of the view that Nepal also should take initiative to reap that benefits for which the number of air seats should increased at first. On top of that certain facilities should be provided to potential tourists.

General Secretary of NATA Shashi Ram Bhandary also emphasised the need to create atmosphere to attract more tourists from China.

According to a press release issued by NATA today a seven member delegation led by NATA president Thapa completed a four day visit to Lhasa. NATA delegation has during its stay in Lhasa, besides signing a joint Memorandum of Understanding with China Tibet Association Travel Agency (TATA) for mutual promotion of tourism in Nepal and Tibet.

According to the MOU signed jointly by Bhola Bikram Thapa, Presidnet, NATA; Zhang Wan Sheng, Director, China Tibet Tourism Bureau; and Jigme Wangchuk President, Tibet Association of Travel Agency, it has been agreed that China Tibet Tourism Bureau and NATA will have mutual goodwill visit exchange programmes every year on invitation of each other to further promote friendship, understanding and common tourism interests. The MOU also includes the point stressing that joint efforts will be put in by NATA and CTTB to facilitate the tourists visiting Tibet and Nepal, the press release says.

The Autonomous Region of Tibet Standing Vice-Chairman Mr. Yumin Yang was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The special ceremony was attended by CTTB Officials, Royal Nepalese Consulate General for China, Mr. Shanker Pandey, tourism entrepreneurs of Tibet, local journalists and media representatives from China.

Vice Chairman Mr. Yumin addressing NATA delegates, media representatives and other invitees said that efforts are being put in to declare Nepal as a holiday destination for Chinese out bound tourists and talks are also being held with concernig authorities to facilitate tourists visiting Tibet via Nepal.