Kathmandu, Jan 2: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has stressed the private sector’s role in driving the prosperity of the tourism industry.

During a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Minister shared that the Ministry had already organized two meetings aimed at connecting the three levels of government to the development of the tourism sector. He further stated that preparations are underway to hold broader discussions to address issues within the tourism industry including airline services.

“We are evaluating the situation for the regular operation of Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports,” he added.

Minister Pandey also informed the committee that the drafting of the tourism culture policy is in its final stage, and the Civil Aviation Bill has already been approved by the Council of Ministers.

Ministry Secretary Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey stated that limited resources have hindered the Ministry’s ability to meet expectations.

In the meeting, chaired by Committee President Raj Kishor Yadav, former Prime Minister and Committee member Madhav Kumar Nepal underscored the importance of completing the project to build Nijgadh International Airport. He urged the government to seek investors for the airport’s construction.

Other attendees included lawmakers Prabhu Shah, Dhawal Shumsher JB Rana, Bhim Prasad Acharya, Sudan Kirati, Sunita Baral, Pre Suwal, and Yogesh Gauchan.(RSS)