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Nepalese Ambassador talks tourism
Nepalese Ambassador talks tourism
By Yin Yeping
Source:Global Times Published: 2017/1/2 18:48:39
Nepal established diplomatic relations with China in 1955, and in the six decades that followed, the two countries have maintained excellent relations. China has agreed to provide 1 billion yuan ($144 million) in grant assistance to Nepal to repair and improve the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway, renovate and upgrade Nepal's Civil Service Hospital, and carry out other post-disaster reconstruction in the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake. The projects aim to improve the relationship between the two countries and promote tourism, trade and investment, and improved healthcare services and living conditions for the Nepalese people, especially those in the earthquake-affected areas. The agreement was signed by newly appointed Nepalese Ambassador to the China, Leela Mani Paudyal (Paudyal). He sees tourism as one of his top priorities and shared his perspective on the sector with the Global Times (GT).
GT: What's your first connection with China? Can you speak Chinese?
Paudyal: The first time I came to China was in 1999 as a member of a delegation. From 2003 to 2007, I served as the Nepalese Consul General to Lhasa, in the Tibet Autonomous Region. I also traveled to China several times on many other occasions. I speak a little Chinese, but I am planning to learn more.
GT: How is Nepal's tourism industry after the 2015 earthquake?
Paudyal: Many historical monuments in Kathmandu Valley were damaged. Some of them are under construction. But many tourist attractions outside Kathmandu Valley are intact. That is why the earthquake should not be a deterrent for tourists who wish to visit Nepal. It is more about casualties of the people. Regarding the roads, particularly the road that connects China and Nepal, some of them have been obstructed because of the earthquake. With Chinese assistance, the road is undergoing repairs. Hopefully, it will open soon to Chinese tourists.
GT: What kind of promotional activities will the embassy organize to attract tourists?
Paudyal: We will provide more information about tourism packages in Nepal, facilitate tourist travel by holding promotional activities that enable them to efficiently and economically travel to Nepal, and upgrade tourism services and facilities in Nepal. We will also organize familiarization trips for media and socially recognized persons in China.
GT: Can you recommend some off the beaten track locations?
Paudyal: Many Chinese these days visit Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumpini Garden (the birth place of Buddha), but these are not the only places that tourists can visit. Koshi Tappu, Bardia, Suklaphanta, and Dhorpatan have jungle safaris for nature lovers. Mustang, Khaptad and Tansen are also beautiful places to visit. Tourists can also visit the pristine lakes of Rara and Shey Phoksundo. Most Chinese tourists are young and adventurous. Nepal is a unique place for adventure tourism like Bungee jumping, expeditions, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and many travelers consider Nepal a trekking paradise.
GT: How will you deepen the people-to-people connections between China and Nepal?
Paudyal: The most important thing is to facilitate the high-level political exchanges and dialogue, as they also enhance Chinese travelers' and investors' confidence in Nepal. Another area we would facilitate is tourism. Traveling can help grow people-to-people connections, which can, in turn, foster a deep and direct understanding of each other. Student and teacher exchanges will also be important in promoting people-to-people connections. Media also plays a vital role, since they can bring people closer together and spread a positive message.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1026759.shtml
