Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has declared the tourism sector as a "driver of economic recovery" through the budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2083/84.
Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced a range of initiatives aimed at promoting tourism, including major campaigns such as "Visit Nepal 2085" and "Nepal Wellness Year 2027", along with programs focused on wedding tourism and astronomical tourism.
As in previous budgets, the government has once again designated special years to promote tourism. According to the budget, 2027 will be celebrated as "Nepal Wellness Year", with the objective of establishing Nepal as one of the world's leading wellness destinations. Likewise, intensive preparations for the successful implementation of "Visit Nepal Year 2085" will begin from the upcoming fiscal year.
In line with a commitment made during the election campaign of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, the budget includes a plan to brand Janakpur as one of the world's premier wedding destinations. To facilitate this initiative, customs procedures for foreign tourists visiting Nepal for weddings will be simplified, and the process of refunding deposits on goods brought into the country will be made automatic.
To diversify tourism offerings, the government has also announced the establishment of an observatory center at the Everest Base Camp to promote astronomical tourism.
The budget emphasizes the development of integrated tourism circuits such as the "Nirvana Trail" and the "Shaligram Trail." The Nirvana Trail will connect religious sites from Lumbini to Muktinath, while the Shaligram Trail will integrate Trivenidham, Devghat, Ruru Area, Kagbeni, and Muktinath into a single tourism route.
The government has also pledged to launch a special project for the conservation of over 200-year-old historic Buddhist monasteries in Mustang and Manang. In addition, efforts will be made to include Tilaurakot in Kapilvastu, Janakpurdham, and Gokarneshwar on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Efforts to Exit EU Air Safety List; Night Flights Planned at Bharatpur Airport
To improve Nepal's standing in the aviation sector, the government has committed to making special efforts to remove the country from the European Union Air Safety List. The budget also includes plans to upgrade Tribhuvan International Airport, finalize the construction modality of Nijgadh International Airport, and commence night-time flight operations at Bharatpur Airport.
Furthermore, modern hill stations will be developed in Nepal's mountainous regions, and unnamed peaks above 6,000 meters will be officially named and opened for mountaineering activities. Finance Minister Wagle also announced the development of a reliable emergency rescue system for trekkers and climbers.
To encourage private sector investment in tourism, the government will provide physical and financial incentives for the construction of high-end resorts and hotels targeting premium tourists. A policy arrangement has also been introduced to ensure long-term loans for the tourism sector at stable interest rates.
With a focus on social inclusion, the budget proposes the implementation of a "Model Homestay Program" to develop densely populated Dalit settlements in Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim as tourism destinations.
The budget further states that systems will be improved at all major customs offices to allow tourists entering Nepal by road to complete temporary vehicle import declarations and fee payments online. The government believes this measure will make travel more convenient for visitors arriving in Nepal with their own vehicles from neighboring countries, including India.
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