UNWTO Secretary General ThalibRifai has stated that the organization would prioritize on rebuilding Nepali tourism.
He made the statement to a question posed by a Sri Lankan journalist last Wednesday. Rifai added that globally Nepal was renowned for the nation’s natural beauty. He said that it was quite saddening that the earthquake had impacted on the nation’s tourism sector.
Thalib added that UNTWO did not release finances to rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and that this role would be fulfilled by aid organizations. He stated that once the infrastructure was in place, UNWTO would be active in the country and assist in developing the sector.
Thalib said that even though the organization had wished to assist in the relief programs, there were many issues in such an endeavor. He also said that the earthquake had impacted many and disrupted their normal lives. Therefore, the best solution to the issue was to develop the tourist sector and expanding the job market from the sector and related industries.
Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb noted UNWTO assistance in restructuring the country’s tourism sector following the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
UNWTO will prioritize rebuilding Nepali tourism: ThalibRifai
