Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradip Gyawali has requested the UK Travel Trade and media members to support Nepal actively as the situation of the country has improved vastly in the recent days.

Speaking at a reception organized the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and participated by the Presidents and Office Bearers of the various NRN Associations in London on the sideline of the World Travel Mart (WTM)- London, one of the most important travel trade shows, Minister Gyawali highlighted the important role of tourism in the country’s economy.

Minister Gyawali also informed the about the government’s liberal aviation and foreign investment policies.

A press statement issued by NTB said, Alan Hinkes, OBE, the extreme altitude mountaineer and the climber of all 14 highest peaks of the world, spoke about Ascending the Eight Thousanders of Nepal. Second speaker Michael Palin, CBE, a noted writer, actor and traveler spoke about his times in Nepal during the making of the famous series of The Himalayas. Nigel Gifford, OBE, also one of Britain’s most seasoned mountaineers, on the other hand talked about how Nepal’s new brand slogan, ‘Naturally Nepal, Once is not enough’ is correctly justified in the case of Nepal.

“British television’s familiar face, Mr. Brian Blessed talked about his experience during the making of his documentaries in Nepal. Mr. John Paul Davidson, director and producer of BBC on the other hand shared his interesting experiences about Nepal during different occasions,” the statement added.

Minister Gyawali visited the Nepal Pavilion where Nepal Tourism Board along with a jumbo delegation of 24 travel trade companies are promoting Nepal under the new brand “Naturally Nepal” theme. The fair will conclude today.

The minister also held special meetings with senior officials of Qatar and Gulf Airlines and the Tourism Minister of Sri Lanka, A. Bandarnaike exchanging views about developing the Buddhist Circuit and joint promotion possibilities.