Nepal tour operators urge travellers to return

Tour operators in Nepal have urged travellers to return to the earthquake-hit country.

The Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) issued a statement this week asking tourists “not to jump to conclusions over damage reports”.

“While there’s no denying the… earthquake has caused significant damage across the country and damaged historical structures, Nepal still welcomes international visitors. The majority of popular tourist areas have escaped the brunt of the damage of the recent earthquake,” NATO said.

“Roads and air transport links are intact across the country barring some landslips, and most hotels and restaurants are back in operation. [Kathmandu’s] Tribhuvan International Airport is operating around the clock,” it added.

NATO’s president, Ashok Pokharel, said the earthquake, which is now known to have killed more than 7,500 people, was “dark moment” for his country. “But in the cold light of day, Nepal and its capital city, Kathmandu, are intact. The people of Nepal are born with a will to overcome adversity,” he stressed.

“The destroyed monuments and cultural sites around the Kathmandu Valley and elsewhere need to be rebuilt, and this will provide employment and create a resurgence in traditional building methods,” said Pohkarel.

“Therefore, we encourage travellers to come back to Nepal when a suitable time has lapsed for the injured to the treated, the mourning to be completed and the debris to be cleared,” he concluded.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com