The Nepal Weekly 
October 1, 2024
This year, the UNWTO announced ‘Tourism and Peace’ as the theme for World Tourism Day. The theme highlights the vital role of the tourism sector in fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and supporting reconciliation processes.
On this occasion, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said that with World Tourism Day, we reflect on the profound connection between tourism and peace.
Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies. By valuing and preserving cultural and natural heritage, it can help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence, he added.
Tourism can also promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development.
Together, we can harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all, he mentioned.
Since 1980, the United Nations Tourism Organisation has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.
The late Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi, a Nigerian national, was the one who proposed the idea of marking September 27 of every year as World Tourism Day. He was finally recognized for his contribution in 2009.
World Tourism Day’s primary objective is to highlight the significance of tourism on a global scale. Apart from the economic impact that tourism brings to a country, it also plays a role in influencing the social, political and cultural environment of the countries.
The primary objective of World Tourism Day is to underscore the importance of tourism on a global scale. Beyond its economic impact, tourism significantly influences the social, political, and cultural fabric of countries and regions. By celebrating this day, nations seek to emphasise that tourism isn’t just about revenue; it’s also about fostering connections, understanding diverse cultures and promoting sustainable practices.
Tourism is the biggest industry in the world, tourism must be accessible to all. Whether we are living at home or traveling somewhere, maybe because of some disability or injury or because of having young children, because of a family, or because of old age, the elderly are being deprived of some way to go or take advantage of tourism. But sooner or later, the worldwide easy access to tourism and the benefits of tourism should be available to all.
International tourist arrivals at the start of 2022 were double the level recorded in 2021. In some regions, arrivals are already at, or even above, pre-pandemic levels. The lifting of the remaining travel restrictions, alongside rising consumer confidence, will be important drivers for the sector’s recovery, bringing hope and opportunity to many millions of people around the world.
Nepal is unique on a number of levels, perhaps the most important being its sheer natural beauty. Home of the world’s highest mountain range and containing eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, Nepal is a magnet for the world’s most avid mountaineers, rock climbers, trekkers, and adventure seekers.
Owing to the immense vertical drop from its northern mountains to its southern plains, it is a hotspot for climatic and biological diversity. Naturally, its cultural array mirrors its geological and climatic varieties. Chitwan National Park, a World Heritage Site, whose elevation lies between 100 and 800 meters above sea level, lays claim to more than 500 species of birds, 50 mammals and 55 amphibians and reptiles. Sagarmatha National Park, whose lowest point is approximately 2,800 meters, is home to over 100 species of birds and provides universal scenic views of flora and fauna. Nepal’s biodiversity is not limited to land creatures. It is estimated that the country also has over 250 species of fishes in its vast river systems.
Likewise, Lumbini, for example, was the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Janakpur, the holy place where Sita was born. Muktinath, Pashupatinath and more. The historical monuments, temples, cultural activities of the Kathmandu Valley and other places, the ethnic lifestyles of people living in Nepal’s diversified geographic locations.
Thus, Nepal offers cultural tourism, wildlife tourism, adventure sports – – such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, and zip-lining, Spiritual tourism and may be added some more in the list of tourism products of the country. However, Nepal’s major adventurous activities are Trekking, Hiking, Mountaineering, Expedition, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Peak climbing, Bird watching, Hunting allowed animals, Mountain flights, Ultralight aircraft flights, Paragliding, Hot air ballooning, Jungle safari, Helicopter tour, Bungee jump and so on in Himalayan Adventure.
Moreover, infrastructure and human resources for tourism industry to develop more in the country have been visible components as well.
Tourism industry in is luring tourists from around the world. Moreover, in the later phase, domestic tourism also growing well.
Facts and figures of foreign tourist arrival and activities are encouraging. It is expected that the number of foreign tourists will cross 1.2 million. That means, direction income to the country and employment will be increased. Supporting human resource and service industries will also generate better benefits from the increment in the travel industries. Moreover, coming years will bring better results.
The country thus needs investment in infrastructures and capacity building for a desired level of growth. Likewise, tourism promotion activities in the international market needs to be better planned, prepared and participated for more tourists to visit Nepal.
Nepal celebrated the 45th World Tourism Day with events centered on the theme “Tourism and Peace.” Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh underscored tourism’s role in the country’s economic growth, linking it to the necessity of peace for development.
Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Prasad Pandey emphasized the collaboration needed between the government and private sector to harness tourism’s potential, citing climate change and the need for global peace as critical factors.
Other officials, including State Minister Arun Kumar Chaudhary and Nepal Tourism Board Secretary Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, stressed the importance of supportive policies and collaboration among stakeholders.
The event also recognized contributions to the tourism sector, welcomed arriving tourists, and honored top trekking companies and rural tourism initiatives. Overall, the celebrations highlighted the vital connection between tourism and peace in advancing Nepal’s development.
Similarly, celebrating the 45th World Tourism Day, a series of vibrant events aimed at promoting tourism and revitalizing local economies organized in Nepal.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, along with the Nepal Tourism Board and various tourism organizations, has organized multiple programs across the country. A central celebration committee led by Minister Badri Prasad Pandey has coordinated these efforts. The festivities began with a warm welcome for foreign tourists arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, marking the start of a day filled with cultural activities.
However, planned programmes to celebrate the day could not take place due to heavy rain in the country on 27th and 28th September. (By R. P. Narayan)
