At last, there is something hopeful to write about Nepal. The idea of 1 million tourists by 2010 has come from Prabin B. Pandey, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter. Mr. Pandey said at a press conference, "The number of tourist arrival to the country will reach half-a- million by 2007 and aims to hit the 1 million mark in 2010." He also informed that more than 500,000 tourists are expected to visit Nepal in 2007.
According to Nepal Tourism Board, Last month because of political crisis, only 18,465 visitors came to Nepal by air. It was a 2.2% decline compared to April 2005. Thus, naturally, I am a bit surprised that Mr. Pandey is optimistic of having 500,000 tourists next year. Well, the new found political stability has given many Nepalese people a solid hope for their country. I agree too that if the political stability remains intact then Nepal may have a lot more than 1 million tourists by 2010. Nepal has everything to attract tourists: 8 of the highest 10 mountain peaks in the world, birth place of Lord Buddha, adequate infrastructure for tourists (good hotels) and what not. The only thing missing is political stability and now for the first time in many years, Nepalese people have it too.
What is our idea about it?
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