Revolutionizing Nepal’s Tourism Industry: How Political Pledges on Air Safety and New Destinations Will Shape the Future of Travel – Everything You Need to Know

Nepal, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is seeing a significant shift in how tourism is being approached by its political parties. As the country prepares for upcoming elections, four major political parties have placed tourism at the heart of their manifestos. Their vision is to revive Nepal’s tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels, with plans to double tourist arrivals and spending within the next five years. These ambitious proposals include addressing air safety concerns, expanding international routes, and enhancing wellness and cultural tourism. Among the most significant pledges is the plan to remove Nepal from the European Commission’s air safety list, a longstanding issue that has hindered the country’s tourism growth. With a combined emphasis on infrastructure improvements and the promotion of new destinations, the parties are aiming for a more tourist-friendly Nepal, promising to attract visitors not only for trekking and adventure but also for wellness retreats and spiritual experiences.

Tourism-First Manifestos: Nepal’s Political Focus on Sustainable Growth

As the tourism sector struggles to regain its pre-pandemic footing, major political forces in Nepal have unveiled plans that center on a reform-driven tourism strategy. With tourist arrivals hovering around 1 million annually in recent years—far below the 2019 peak—the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has proposed significant changes. The RSP has set a bold target to double tourist numbers and spending over the next five years, addressing key barriers such as aviation safety, poor infrastructure, and a lack of international promotion. The party’s strategy includes an ambitious digital platform to simplify trekking permits and other tourism processes, as well as investing in new destinations within Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, areas rich in natural beauty but underexploited.

The Nepali Congress has also promised to elevate tourism, especially through its focus on wellness tourism, by promoting yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda as national assets. Their “Aarogya Nepal” campaign aims to position Nepal as the world’s spiritual capital. The Congress envisions a series of wellness zones and yoga centers in key tourist destinations to further enhance Nepal’s global tourism appeal. Meanwhile, the CPN-UML seeks to develop tourism infrastructure, particularly by increasing connectivity with international airlines and introducing new resorts and eco-tourism zones.

Aviation Reforms: Removing Nepal from the European Commission’s Air Safety List

A central promise across party manifestos is the removal of Nepal from the European Commission’s air safety list. Nepal’s aviation industry has struggled with safety concerns, including recurrent plane crashes. Addressing these issues, the RSP has proposed an urgent split of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two distinct bodies: one for regulation and the other for providing services. This restructuring is expected to align Nepal’s aviation standards with international expectations. Additionally, the RSP has vowed to conduct thorough technical audits to facilitate the country’s exit from the air safety list and promote Nepal Airlines‘ restructuring under a public-private partnership model.

New Airports and Cross-Border Routes: Unlocking Nepal’s Tourism Potential

Further boosting Nepal’s tourism sector, political parties are making diplomatic efforts to open new international flight routes. The Nepali Congress and RSP have promised to work with India to operationalize four cross-border air routes via Janakpur, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, and Mahendranagar, helping connect Nepal’s new airports to the international market. Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport are central to these plans. By attracting additional international flights, the country aims to boost its international flight capacity, providing a gateway for travelers seeking short-haul options from nearby countries.

Wellness Tourism: A New Angle for Nepal’s Tourism Industry

The Nepali Congress has introduced the concept of wellness tourism, focusing on Nepal’s ancient practices of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. They propose a national campaign called “Aarogya Nepal”, aimed at integrating these wellness practices into Nepal’s tourism product. The Congress party believes these offerings can create a unique selling point for Nepal, making it a top destination for travelers seeking spiritual retreats. The party also plans to establish wellness and digital nomad visas for foreign tourists, making it easier for long-term visitors to experience the tranquility and cultural richness that Nepal offers.

Building a Digital Corridor: New Connectivity to Promote Tourism

In addition to physical infrastructure, political parties are prioritizing digital connectivity to enhance the tourism experience. By creating digital tourism circuits, the Nepali Congress aims to connect spiritual sites such as Muktinath, Janakpur, and Lumbini, enhancing cross-border tourism while leveraging technology to simplify travel logistics. Similarly, the RSP’s “one-door policy” for permits aims to ease the travel process by digitizing the approval system for trekking and national park visits. Drone technology will also be deployed for search and rescue missions in mountainous regions, enhancing both safety and the tourist experience.

Improving Tourism Infrastructure: A Path Forward

Tourism infrastructure remains a cornerstone of the political party agendas. The CPN-UML promises to develop new resorts and luxury hotels, targeting high-end travelers looking for wellness retreats or eco-tourism experiences in Nepal’s serene environments. Investment in hill stations and mountain resorts near Indian border towns is expected to attract a new wave of Indian tourists, boosting short-haul tourism.

Additionally, parties are committed to improving domestic air connectivity to support travel within the country, ensuring easier access to remote areas rich in cultural and natural beauty. The Nepali Congress specifically wants to make Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports operational at full capacity to cater to international flights and increase tourism flow.

Tourism as a Sustainable Growth Driver

As Nepal’s tourism sector seeks to recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the country’s political parties recognize the importance of tourism as a major economic driver. With pledges to boost arrivals and spending, increase investment in infrastructure, and focus on new, sustainable destinations, Nepal aims to establish itself as a top global tourist destination. By addressing aviation safety concerns and promoting new offerings such as wellness tourism and eco-tourism, Nepal’s vision for the future is one of sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and world-class visitor experiences.

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