Kathmandu, June. 3: Nepal Hotel Association (HAN) says that the budget for the new fiscal year is far from satisfactory for the tourism sector.

The association says that though the budget has accepted that tourism has generated rs 12.17 billion in revenue in the year 2055-056, which comes to around 33 percent of total revenue, the government has not come up with any tangible plans and programs for the enhancement of the tourism sector. The government should come up with programs to harness the potentialities of this sector, it adds.

The government did not heed suggestions jointly forwarded to the revenue consultative committee by tourism associations, it is pointed out.

Despite repeated requests and suggestions to the government and government assurances in this respect, HMG has failed to incorporate suggestions for the enhancement of tourism in Nepal such as identification of a second international airport site, bringing electricity tariff to par with the industry rate enjoyed by other industries, 90 days for VAT submission, income tax exemption for foreign currency earnings and consolidation of RNAC.

Pointing out that the government has shown its firm commitment to poverty alleviation through enlarging the opportunities of employment and wider mobilization of various economic activities in the country, it says tourism is one of the largest industries which at present directly and indirectly provides employment to round about 4.5 million people in the country and generates economic activity towards enhancement of the economy.

It is a pity that the present budget does not set out a single program for the development of tourism, it further says and appeals to His Majesty’s Government to reconsider this very important aspect and come up with a special program towards the development of tourism.

While the saarc countries have awarded export status to the tourism business and also given various facilities to hoteliers, the present budget, which did not incorporate any similar provisions, has not been able to inspire tourism entrepreneurs, it is pointed out.