CNI wants govt to take steps to remove Nepal from EU's air safety list

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 8: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has held a discussion program with Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, regarding issues related to the country's tourism industry. Such matters pertain to promoting tourism, short-term and long-term policy-level reforms, and removing Nepal from the European Union's air safety list.

During the program held today at the Tourism Ministry, the President of the CNI, Rajesh Kumar Agrawal, emphasized the need for cooperation and collaboration between the government and the private sector to develop the tourism industry, given that tourism is a crucial source of foreign currency earnings.

He suggested that immediate initiatives should be taken to re-establish direct air connectivity with Europe. Agrawal stressed the urgency of removing Nepal from the EU air safety list, given that European tourists are among the biggest spenders.

Agrawal shared that CNI has established a tourism committee with a high-priority focus on the tourism industry. He expressed the commitment of CNI to closely work with the Ministry to carry out activities in this regard.

The CNI drew the Ministry's attention to the challenges arising from the shortage of air routes for the successful operation of the  Pokhara International Airport and the Gautam Buddha International Airport.

It also highlighted the need to develop and promote Nepal as a filming destination and to timely complete the upgrading work of approach roads to tourist sites. 

In his response, Minister Kirati stated that efforts are being made to remove Nepal from the EU's security risk list, and positive news regarding this is expected soon. He assured that the government is determined to restore air connectivity with the European Union. Kirati expressed objections to imposing VAT on air tickets, given the concern that Nepal might become an expensive tourism destination.

The Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation mentioned preparations being made to purchase planes for 'trunk routes' to serve remote areas of the country and narrow-body airplanes for international flights, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of Nepal Airlines Corporation.

He affirmed that the Ministry would collaborate with the Confederation for the development of the tourism industry.