How does the government manage the tourism sector and the mishaps within?

Tourism plays a role in fostering growth and employment opportunities with governments playing a pivotal role in overseeing and managing this industry. In this blog post we will explore the relationship between governments and the tourism sector covering aspects such as policymaking, infrastructure development, crisis management and the growing emphasis on practices and community involvement. By examining life examples and case studies we aim to shed light on how governments shape the tourism industry while tackling challenges all while advocating for responsible travel. This insightful exploration will benefit travellers, industry experts and individuals interested in the field of tourism management.

Are there any rules or regulations that govern the safety standards of tourist accommodations? How does the government ensure these standards are maintained? What legal procedures are in place to handle conflicts between tourists and tourism operators such as issues related to overbooking or service quality? How does the government deal with cases involving accidents or injuries to tourists while they are visiting the country? What actions does the government take to safeguard and preserve heritage sites and natural wonders in light of the growing tourism industry? In case of a public health crisis like a pandemic what authorities does the government have to manage and regulate tourism activities for public safety reasons?

Tourism Infrastructure and Development 

Nepal, nestled in the breathtaking arms of the Himalayas, is renowned as a must-visit global tourist destination. With the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, gracing its Solukhumbu district and a sky filled with countless majestic mountain peaks, Nepal offers a surreal experience. Notably, Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, further distinguishes Nepal on the world stage. The capital, Kathmandu, earns its reputation as "the city of temples," while the nation's rich multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural tapestry adds to its allure. Nepal's abundant natural resources, including rivers, forests, mountains, and communities, make it a genuine haven for tourists.

The history of tourism in Nepal began to blossom after Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary's successful ascent of Everest in 1953. Before 1951, the Rana Regime had barred foreigners from entering the country. However, after the conquest of Everest, tourism took flight. The establishment of the National Planning Council on Tourism and the National Tourist Development Board in 1956, along with the launch of Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation services in 1959, fueled Nepal's tourism surge. While the 1960s saw the emergence of hippie tourism, the government's ban on marijuana and hashish sales in 1973 marked a turning point. The nation shifted its focus to its rich culture and religion, attracting diverse visitors. In the 1980s, the Nepal Tourism Board officially promoted the country as a top destination. Since the 2000s, Nepal has witnessed a continuous increase in tourist arrivals, contributing significantly to its economy. In 2019, the World Travel and Tourism Council reported that the tourism industry employed 1.16 million Nepalese, making it the fourth-largest job creator in the country. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector remains a pivotal source of income and employment for Nepal, welcoming increasing numbers of tourists every year, with the government targeting one million tourists in 2023.

Tourism infrastructure and development in Nepal encompass a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural heritage, adventure activities, and diverse tourism offerings. The Himalayan range, snow-fed rivers, national parks, and wildlife reserves cater to nature enthusiasts, while UNESCO Heritage Sites, 101 ethnic groups with distinct cultures, and sacred sites like Lumbini draw cultural enthusiasts. Adventure seekers can indulge in mountaineering, trekking, rafting, paragliding, and more, while various forms of sustainable and community-based tourism initiatives promote responsible travel. Nepal's tourism sector not only enriches the nation culturally and economically but also fosters a connection between visitors and its breathtaking landscapes and diverse communities, making it a dynamic and ever-evolving destination on the global tourism map.

Tourism Management and Crisis Response 

In recent years, Nepal's tourism industry has faced various challenges, such as political instability, natural disasters, and infrastructure deficiencies. Despite these obstacles, the industry has shown resilience and continued growth. Political instability and conflicts have deterred potential visitors, while natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and landslides have damaged tourist sites and infrastructure, hindering tourist visits. Insufficient infrastructure, including hotels and transportation options, has made it challenging for tourists to explore Nepal fully.

Moreover, limited access to finance has hampered businesses in the Nepali tourism industry, making it difficult for them to invest in new products and expand. Furthermore, Nepal faces stiff competition from other regional destinations, particularly in adventure tourism. To address these issues, the Nepali government has initiated various measures, including promoting adventure tourism and improving infrastructure. Community-based tourism has also gained popularity, creating job opportunities in rural areas. Additionally, increased air connectivity, investment in tourism, and enhanced safety measures have contributed to the industry's growth and improved the overall tourism experience in Nepal.

In recent years, Nepal's tourism industry has faced multiple challenges, including political instability, natural disasters, and infrastructure deficiencies. Despite these obstacles, the sector has shown resilience and continued growth. Political instability and conflicts have deterred potential visitors, while natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and landslides have damaged tourist sites and infrastructure, hindering tourist visits. Insufficient infrastructure, including hotels and transportation options, has made it challenging for tourists to explore Nepal fully.

Moreover, limited access to finance has hampered businesses in the Nepali tourism industry, making it difficult for them to invest in new products and expand. Furthermore, Nepal faces stiff competition from other regional destinations, particularly in adventure tourism. To address these issues, the Nepali government has initiated various measures, including promoting adventure tourism and improving infrastructure. Community-based tourism has also gained popularity, creating job opportunities in rural areas. Additionally, increased air connectivity, investment in tourism, and enhanced safety measures have contributed to the industry's growth and improved the overall tourism experience in Nepal.

Government Policies and Regulations

The government of Nepal, recognizing the immense potential of its tourism sector, declared the period from 2023 to 2033 as the Tourism Decade. This ambitious initiative, unveiled during the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget presentation, is part of a comprehensive strategy to position Nepal as a premier tourist destination and foster overall tourism development. The centrepiece of this endeavour is the 'Nepal Tourism Decade (2023-2032) Strategic Action Plan,' which sets forth several pivotal objectives. These goals include attracting 3.5 million foreign tourists by 2032, generating employment opportunities for one million people within the tourism sector, and elevating the sector's contribution to the country's GDP to 10 percent. The action plan outlines a multifaceted approach, involving provincial and national campaigns, institutional strengthening, infrastructure enhancement, investments, and diversification of tourism offerings. The Tourism Minister emphasised the importance of seamless coordination among all levels of government to realise these ambitions, stressing the need for infrastructure development and a hospitable tourism environment to achieve these targets. Furthermore, the strategic plan outlines a thematic campaign schedule, focusing on various aspects of Nepal's cultural and geographical diversity each year.

In addition to the Tourism Decade, Nepal's tourism sector is supported by a robust regulatory framework. The Tourism Policy 2065 underscores the pivotal role of the private sector in tourism development and emphasizes partnership approaches involving the public, private, and general public. Rural tourism, community-based tourism, and home-stays are prioritised, with the formation of committees such as the Tourism Coordination Committee and the Crisis Management Committee to ensure effective implementation. The Nepal Tourism Board Act, 2053, established the Nepal Tourism Board to promote and develop tourism and represent Nepal on the international stage. This Act also envisions an Executive Committee responsible for executing programs and managing the board's activities. Additionally, the Tourism Act 2035 highlights the requirement for trekking permits in certain areas of Nepal, which are issued exclusively through authorised trekking agencies, ensuring the safety and management of trekkers. Nepal's tourism regulatory agencies, including the Department of Immigration, Civil Aviation Authority, and Tourist Police, play critical roles in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists, underlining Nepal's commitment to hospitality and security in its tourism sector.

Notable Incidents in Nepal

Nepal, a nation renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes and thriving tourism industry has unfortunately witnessed a series of notable cases and incidents over the years. One such incident took place in January 15 when a Yeti Airlines ATR 72-500 tragically crashed while approaching the Pokhara airport, resulting in the loss of all 68 passengers and four crew members on board, including an Australian named Myron Love. This incident highlights the country's historical aviation safety challenges, with nearly 350 lives lost in plane or helicopter accidents since 2000. Among these incidents, there was a fatal crash in 2018 during cloudy weather near Kathmandu and another in 2021, where 22 lives were lost shortly after takeoff from Pokhara. Additionally, Nepal's mountainous terrain brings unique risks for trekkers, with avalanches, unseasonal snowstorms, and earthquakes posing substantial dangers. In 2015, an avalanche struck a village north of Kathmandu, popular among foreign trekkers, resulting in significant loss of life.

Moreover, Nepal's tourism sector has not been immune to accidents outside of aviation. In February 2023, a tragic incident occurred at the Tree House Funpark, where a woman lost her life after falling from a swing, while two others were injured. In recent years, accidents have also marred recreational activities such as Ferris Wheel rides, go-karting, and paragliding, raising concerns about safety measures within the tourism industry. Notably, paragliding saw a fatal accident in October 2022 when Nisim Thapa, a Nepali Army paraglider, lost his life during the National Games. These incidents underline the need for improved safety standards and regulations in Nepal's thriving tourism sector, especially given its popularity among adventure seekers and tourists from around the world.

Suggestions for Improvement 

Nepal is considering several measures to enhance its tourism sector. Among these, the government is contemplating the introduction of retirement visas and improved healthcare facilities for elderly foreigners wishing to prolong their stay in the country. Currently lacking legal provisions for retirement visas, the government plans to discuss this matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees visa issuance. Additionally, Nepal aims to boost its mountaineering tourism by opening more Himalayan peaks, particularly those ranging from 5,800 to 8,000 meters above sea level. This expansion is part of a broader action plan, which includes initiatives such as international airline collaboration, a GPS tracking system for trekking and mountaineering safety, multilingual helpline support for tourists, and facilities catering to foreign visitors.

However, as Nepal seeks to attract more tourists and enhance its competitiveness in the global tourism market, there is a pressing need for various improvements. These improvements encompass expediting paperwork for tourists, ensuring proper amenities, offering healthy and hygienic food, prioritising health and safety, and bolstering security measures. Furthermore, the protection of Nepal's fragile ecosystem, the enactment of stricter biodiversity conservation laws, and measures to curb illegal activities are essential. Simultaneously, sustainable development practices should replace unplanned construction, and pollution control regulations need strengthening. To enhance traveler appeal, investments in the nation's natural beauty are crucial. Infrastructure upgrades, including road development and improved access to sanitation facilities, are vital, alongside incentives to enhance internet connectivity in tourist destinations. In sum, Nepal's commitment to these improvements will play a pivotal role in elevating its status as a preferred tourist destination.

Conclusion

Government management of the tourism sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry's growth, sustainability, and response to mishaps. By setting policies, developing infrastructure, and fostering sustainable practices, governments can enhance both the traveler's experience and the well-being of local communities. However, as mishaps and challenges inevitably arise, effective crisis management and community engagement are equally vital components of responsible tourism governance. Striking a balance between development and preservation while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of tourists remains a continuous endeavor that governments worldwide must navigate.

Reference

Comments