In order to shorten post title, I will be using TA as Tourists Arrival by Air for all posts that follow from here on.

According to Nepal Tourism Board, based on the Data released by the Trivhubhan International Airport, Kathmandu, April 2008 received 1% less tourists than the same period last year. Still the figure is still significant with arrivals up above Thirty Thousand.

Key Facts Tourists Arrival by Air Only:

• European countries made a huge contribution yet remain the same like last year’s month. One key to note would be the Switzerland gave a rise of 60% to tourists inflow for this month.
• From January to April, Nepal has already received 11% growth than last year surpassing more than One Hundred Thousand Visitors which itself is a major sign that the tourism has slowly recovered from what was once termed as doomed during the war time; Maoists vs Government
• The less number of tourists for the month in comparison to last year is blamed for the election that was held in April. A few violence were reported and the world watched it. Including the beating of innocent supporters of Tibet by Nepal Police which was even broad casted over the giant Media such as CNN. Many of the tourists would probably feel safer if YOU (The Government of Nepal) respect people’s human rights issues, prevent strikes and riots that just hamper everyone’s business including the tourism.
• The overall score shows a positive sign for this nation. But just holding travel marts, seminars abroad wouldn’t solve many of the issues that this country faces. Unless Government is serious about boosting the tourism inflow to such a level, say about 200% growth than last year, then all these data will remain just data.

The need to realize consequence of our actions are never in the minds of those who take chairs in our country. Hope this or the coming Government takes “TOURISM” issues seriously, so the hands which feed Nepal keeps feeding!

What can the Government Do ?

• Think about Tourism before you do anything
• Protect Human Right Issues
• Show what Nepal is in Freedom and Democracy
• The more you show your REALITY, the more visitors you are likely to get.

A fellow traveler once asked me a question, “My goss. Your country is so small. It’s like the size of North Carolina. How can 27 million people live there. And Also heard about a giant Tigers, and animals. How do they all live there. ” I replied, “Well, That’s what Nepal is. It’s small but big inside; the country is blessed by having higher grounds, beautiful hills making more rooms for everyone including people and animals to live.” That’s the fact. If Nepal didn’t have those hills, Nepal wouldn’t be Nepal at all. Tourism wouldn’t be #1 issue at all. I often think, Do our leaders ever wonder question like that one ? Nepal is blessed by God to have such a land for being so small.
When are you really going to SHOW the world that YOU really serious about Nepal before you start beating and abusing human-rights ? Nepal ? You think you can just hide because you are so small. World is watching you. It’s about time to INCORPORATE TOURISM LAWS into your so called “Would be new CONSTITUTION!!!!!!” What do you think Nepal ?

C U Soon:

Ruben