NEPAL IS SAFE FOR TOURISM ACTIVITIES

NEPAL IS SAFE FOR TOURISM ACTIVITIES

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 magnitude on April 25 and 7.3  May 12, 2015, according to the United States Geological Survey. Tremors and aftershock are still felt throughout the region till we write this article. Many of the trekking trail and expedition team were affected with this. The earthquake triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest. Langtang village vanished due to avalanche descended from Langtang slopes thousands of feet above. Report shows that 80+ foreigners were dead in different parts of Nepal while on trekking or expedition, Langtang region alone claimed 40+ foreigners.

Government and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) are working hard in engineering assessment in  below trekking routes which are affected and in top priority for immediate reconstruction 
a. Dhunche-Gosaikunda-Helambu, Syafrubesi-Langtang-Kyanjin, b. Larke Pass-Chekampar, Tsum Valley
c. Kalinchowk-Bigu Gumba-Charikot, Gaurishankar and Lamabagar, Jiri-Khumbu,
d. Annapurna Circuit, Dhaulagiri and Dhorpatan trails
http://taan.org.np/news/2175-govt-prepares-action-plan-for-recovery-of-tourism-industry

Now, Nepal being slowly recovering for the earthquake terror, many travelers and tourist have questions and confusions either they can or cannot travel safely in upcoming season and years in Nepal. 

 All media, newspaper, Television have highlighted about damage, destruction of resulted by the earthquake. It is obvious that it will take some time to re build and repair all our damage heritage, culture and natural site. Government, different national and NGO and NGOs have taken immediate initiation to recover as soon as possible.

Here, are some of the international coverage about the earthquake, its consequences and tourism industry condition.

Nepal for Tourists – Nothing to Fear..
http://www.adventuretravelnews.com/nepal-for-tourists-nothing-to-fear#.VW_ZHS7mknc.facebook

Left intact in quake, Namche Bazaar awaits tourists
http://myrepublica.com/society/item/21687-left-intact-in-quake-namche-bazaar-awaits-tourists.html#sthash.UxQ41C1d.0NkwDoeu.dpuf

What can tourists do to help, not hinder, Nepal’s quake recovery?
http://theconversation.com/what-can-tourists-do-to-help-not-hinder-nepals-quake-recovery-41514

Quake-hit Nepal seeks experts’ advice on tourism
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-32889294

Fallen: Nepal's historic landmarks after the quake
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/26/travel/nepal-earthquake-landmarks/index.html

Cultural heritage sites to open for tourists from June 15
http://taan.org.np/news/2177-cultural-heritage-sites-to-open-for-tourists-from-june-15

The Best Way to Help Nepal Recover From the Quake? Go There on VACATION http://time.com/3851425/nepal-earthquake-tourism-impact-holiday-trekking/

Nepal earthquake: What does the future hold for TOURISM http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/nepal/11570168/Nepal-earthquake-What-does-the-future-hold-for-tourism.html

Nepal Travel Advice from government of UK
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal

Find below Nicholas Cowie who is in ground and is country manager in Nepal of reputed Australia based travel agency had to say about his earthquake experience and tourism industry condition.

INTREPID TRAVEL..“Tourism creates jobs, jobs support families.” All your Nepal questions answered by our man on the ground
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/nepal-on-the-ground/

Exclusive interview by Nepal leading online news ekantipur.com with Andrew Jones, vice-chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata)
There is enough room to make tourists visit Nepal this autumn
http://www.ekantipur.com/2015/05/29/business/there-is-enough-room-to-make-tourists-visit-nepal-this-autumn/405836.html?utm_source=Nepali+Trekking+Agencies&utm_campaign=ea6e2c7488-Newsletter-17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a23ee10a8b-ea6e2c7488-122921069

How Adventure Travel In Nepal Opened My Eyes To Life’s
http://elitedaily.com/life/culture/adventure-travel-nepal-opened-eyes-lifes-truths/1056360/

Many of agree tourism is only the sector that can benefit to rebuild Nepal economy from grass root. In Nepal, tourism creates jobs, jobs support families, families contribute to societies. Travellers who are willing to come to Nepal will directly and positively affect change for the better. Economy in affected areas such as Gorkha,Dhading, Lamjung, Sindhupalchowk, kavrepalanchowk (epicenter of earthquake) etc are more rely on tourism. Lots of youth are directly and indirectly related to tourism. Some are porter, some are guides and some are owners of homestays and lodges.

Nepal stills open its arms to welcome foreigners despite damage to historical and cultural monuments. Road and air transport linkage is not affected and have link to different parts of Nepal. 95% hotel, restaurant are safe and are in operation apart from that of Langtang region. Nepali tourism workers are ready to be back to usual business to cater the tourist and to provide services despite they had lost someone in circle.

For upcoming season and vacation, please don’t cancel your trips to Nepal at this situation. Government & tourism authorities are working very hard to get engineering assessments and reports that determine what work has to be done to reopen tourism safely for everyone.  For now, Langtang area is in not go list as most of infrastructure is damage there. Other areas are still safe and can cater traveler’s like before.

NATURALLY NEPAL, ONCE IS NOT ENOUGH !!!

Text copyright © Raju Dong