The Nepal government has allocated nearly Rs12 billion to boost the tourism sector. Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun unveiled the budget for fiscal year 2024-25, earmarking Rs11.91 billion specifically for the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.
The government aims to welcome approximately 1.6 million tourists during the upcoming fiscal year.
Minister Pun also announced plans to facilitate foreign tourists who visit Nepal for wedding ceremonies, promoting the country’s cultural and tourist destinations as ideal wedding venues.
To further enhance tourism, the government will lease government lands to the private sector for hotel construction, thereby increasing the number of visitors. Additionally, roadways, electricity, and water facilities will be provided to these buildings through cooperation between local and provincial governments.
A separate budget of Rs5.46 billion has been allocated to improve tourism infrastructure, including repairing roadways and establishing tourist rescue centers in potential risk-prone areas. The Tourism Department will oversee the utilization of this amount.
In an effort to boost tourism and highlight Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has ambitious plans for two key locations:
Janakpur: Minister Pun aims to transform Janakpur into the nation’s premier wedding destination. The renowned Ram Janaki Temple in Janakpur will play a central role, attracting both domestic and international tourists seeking to tie the knot amidst the city’s ancient charm and spiritual aura.
Lumbini: As the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini holds immense religious and historical significance. Minister Pun intends to enhance Lumbini’s appeal as a destination for birth tourism, providing expectant mothers with a spiritually enriching experience during childbirth.
Overall, the government’s strategic efforts to designate Janakpur as a wedding hub and Lumbini as a welcoming destination for birth tourism reflect a commitment to diversify Nepal’s tourism offerings and capitalize on its unique cultural heritage.
