By Shashi P.B.B. Malla
We must now discard our defeatist side and adopt an optimistic approach and promote full-scale tourism in all its aspects.
We must start with the basics.
On arrival, there should be no hassles. There should be absolutely no problem with entry visas. If one does occur, it should be resolved quickly and efficiently.
The same with exits.
The entry and exit halls should be spick and span, the public toilets functioning, hygienic and clean.
This should also be the case in all public places the tourists visit, including the three major Durbar Squares of the Valley. They should be marketed as the three Royal Squares and tourists should have the feeling that they are visiting.
This feeling of uniqueness should, of course, be transferred to the country as a whole.
In the coming days and months, the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Board and all other institutions to do with tourism have a great responsibility.
We must offer our guests excellent service – absolutely good value for money.
There must be close cooperation between the public and private sectors – any problems must be nipped in the bud and even before they arise.
Experts and inspectors must be hired on a permanent basis and must also meet with bureaucrats – all during the tourist season.
Hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing services must be inspected on a regular basis.
Trekking trails and lodges must be kept at the highest standards.
The Ministry and the Board should seek advice on how to provide the best immersive experience for our guests.
This includes ways and means to enjoy Nepalese cultural life – song and dance in hotels and during trekking, making the various Nepalese cuisines palatable for our guests, appreciating the many aspects of Nepalese arts and crafts, including Pauwa, Thangkha, Sherpa and Maithili paintings.
Our guests should leave the country feeling one with us. There should be the feeling of unifying humanity.
The writer can be reached at: shashimalla125@gmail.com
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