Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized an interaction program on July 22 to discuss the ongoing issues of tourism sector of Nepal. The Chief Guest of the interaction program was Honb’l Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Ravindra Adhikari and the Special Guest was Honb’l Secretary of Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Krishna Prasad Devkota.

TAAN President, Mr. Nava Raj Dahal explained the role played by TAAN for promoting mountain tourism of Nepal. Appraising the problems facing by Nepal's tourism in the present days, he said that maximum numbers of tourists visiting Nepal comes with the purpose of trekking or mountaineering. “Tourist are now supposed to pay entrance fee at every province they visit, which has made the trekking package expensive.” He said.

President Dahal emphasized on the need to control illegal trekking operation. Meanwhile, he highlighted the importance of Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) and requested for effective management and operation of TIMS. Stating that tourists trekking individually suffers from various uncertain accidents, they go missing; thus, he requested minister and secretary to make the possible policies regarding taking a porter or a guide above the altitude of 3000m from a registered trekking company.  

Also, before the fact that the tourist rescue investment committee has come to the truth, news has been published to reproach the established trekking companies, President Dahal said such misunderstood news will convey profound impact in the tourism of Nepal in the future. He requested the Secretary Devkota to prejudice and investigate without distracting the innocent tourism entrepreneur. He lastly assured that TAAN will support investigation team for finding the culprits involved in fake rescue.

"Fake Rescue will be investigated effectively and businessmen who are fraudulent in the name of Fake Rescue, will be immediately taken into action." Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil aviation, Mr. Rabindra Adhikari said. He said that there will be emphasis on effective law enforcement of tourism within September.

Honorable MoCTCA Secretary, Krishna Prasad Devkota assured that the accused business man involved in fake rescue will be identified and taken into action in very short period of time. Those who have been wrongfully rescued by the deceased, committed to conducting wrongdoing, he said that no one will be allowed to leave.

TAAN founder President Ambika Shrestha highlighted that all the tourism associations must work together in order to save Nepal’s tourism. She urged the government for effective implementation for brining maximum number of tourists in Nepal. At the same time, “Nepalese tourism sector should be discussed in detail and should come to the squad faster”. She added.

Former TAAN President Yangkila Sherpa exclaimed that if the government does not take any action against the illegal trekking operators, the Government of Nepal will receive zero percent of TAX in near future.

Although the government has announced the Visit Nepal Year (VYN) 2020 campaign with the aim of brining in 20 million tourists in Nepal, there are many challenges. Therefore, to overcome such challenges, Nepal government should cooperate with the private sector, TAAN General Secretary Ang Pemba Sherpa emphasized.

TAAN Past President, also Board Member of NTB Mr.Deepak Mahat, President of NATA Mr. C.N Pandey, NMA General Secretary Mr. Kul Bahadur Gurung, TAAN former executive member Mr. Pemba Sherpa (Sangam), TAAN General Member Ms.Pampa Dhamala along with other tourism entrepreneurs voiced upon problems of Nepal’s tourism and requested Minister Adhikari to carry out possible actions.