A delegation of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) led by President Mahendra Singh Thapa on August 19 paid a courtesy call on newly appointed tourism secretary Yagya Prasad Gautam.
The delegation also handed over a 29-point memorandum to secretary Gautam that draws the attention of the government on different problems facing the tourism industry, particularly the trekking sector.
Thapa, on behalf of TAAN, congratulated secretary Gautam on being appointed secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and expressed best wishes for his successful tenure.
Among others, TAAN asked the government to immediately address technical problems seen in garbage deposits. Similarly, the delegation asked secretary Gautam to do the needful in making support staff compulsory for independent trekkers to ensure their safety.
Saying that international media has been portraying Nepal as an unsafe destination, the association also asked the government to counter such negative publicities and enhance Nepal’s destination image in international arena.
Responding to TAAN’s demands, secretary Gautam has said he has authorized the Tourism Industry Division to address technical difficulties in garbage deposits collection and management. He also asked TAAN to take the initiative in installing sign posts on major trekking routes so that it will be easier for trekkers. Gautam also asked TAAN to focus on quality tourism rather than quantity.
Along with President Thapa, general secretary Mohan Lamsal, treasurer Anjan Kumar Thapa, TAAN CEO Gangasagar Pant and staffers Machhindra Acharya and Raju Chitrakar were also present in the meeting.
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