Press Release
Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa organized the Launching Ceremony of Visit Nepal-2020 in Ottawa today. His Excellency Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana, Ambassador of Nepal to Canada, The Honourable Chandra Arya, Member of the Canadian Parliament and His Excellency Mr. Paul Thoppil, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Asia Pacific at the Global Affairs Canada jointly launched the Visit Nepal-2020 Campaign in Canada by lighting a Panas (traditional Nepali lamp).
Delivering a welcome speech at the programme, H.E. Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana, Ambassador of Nepal, said that the Government of Nepal has declared this year as Visit Nepal Year with the objective of bringing in more and more foreign tourists, extending their stay in Nepal, increasing tourism’s contribution to the nation’s development, and thereby enhancing Nepal’s international image. Formally inaugurated by the Right Honourable President of Nepal in Kathmandu on the 1st of January and being observed as a national festival, this campaign would be a starting point to establish tourism as a vital pillar of Nepali economy as well as a milestone in formulating tourism policy for upcoming decade, he added.
He also said that while taking requisite policy and institutional measures, the Government of Nepal is focussing on enhancing connectivity in order to ensure sustainable growth of the tourism sector in the country as well as to meet the needs of the increasing number of visitors. He also shared with the audience that the completion soon of Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport as well as the construction in future of Nijgadh International Airport would play crucial role for the economic development of Nepal. Highlighting Nepal’s tourism attractions, Ambassador Dhungana said that the Government of Nepal as well as Nepali entrepreneurs, are committed to enhancing and expanding the existing tourism products and activities and developing the new ones. He also said that both the Government and the private sector are determined to make the visit of all tourists to Nepal more fulfilling and memorable. He also mentioned about the promotional activities that the Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa is planning to carry out in different parts of Canada throughout the year with the support of and in collaboration with tourism entrepreneurs, Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Nepali community organizations, Nepali Diaspora members and other stakeholders. Inviting the Canadians to visit Nepal, he expressed the Embassy’s commitment to support and facilitate their visit. He also requested all to contribute from their respective fields to make the Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign a grand success.
H.E. the Ambassador urged the tourism entrepreneurs, representatives of travel agencies, airlines, and tour operators in Canada to develop package tours for Canadian visitors to Nepal during the Visit Nepal Year 2020 and afterwards. He also called upon the Canadian media houses to disseminate information about the Visit Nepal Year 2020.
Mr. Chiranjibi Ghimire, President of NRNA, National Coordination Council Canada, expressed his commitment to make the Visit Nepal 2020 a success through various activities in cooperation with the Embassy of Nepal and other community organizations.
Speaking on occasion, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Asia Pacific at the Global Affairs Canada and Special Guest at the ceremony H. E. Mr. Paul Thoppil expressed his best wishes for the success of Visit Nepal 2020. He also expressed hope that the Embassy in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board will bring more promotional programs to encourage Canadians to go to Nepal. Mr. Thoppil assured that Canada will also continue to support Nepal in the areas of climate change including for sustainable eco-tourism.
Similarly, The Honourable Chandra Arya, Member of the Canadian Parliament, extended his best wishes for the success of Visit Nepal 2020. He emphasized on encouraging different communities in Canada to visit Nepal. He also expressed his hope that the Canadian support will continue in the fields of climate change as well as in the agro-biodiversity areas.
During the programme, a comprehensive audio-visual presentation was made by Mr. Prakash Adhikari, Counsellor/Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal, on major touristic attractions in Nepal, Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign and the incentives that are being offered by different agencies and stakeholders.
A large number of guests including Director-General, South Asia Division and other senior officials of the Global Affairs Canada, government officials, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps, prominent mountaineers and friends of Nepal, members of NRNA as well as other Nepali community organizations, tour operators, travel agents, representatives of different airlines, and media persons were also present at the programme. Toronto based Nepali musical group ‘Himalayan Vibes’ presented Nepali folk music while dances and songs depicting Nepali culture were performed by the Nepali artistes. The programme venue was decorated with pictures showcasing Nepal’s natural, cultural and touristic attractions. While showing promotional documentaries on Visit Nepal 2020, tourism promotional materials were also distributed to the guests. The event was concluded with a dinner.
Embassy of Nepal
Ottawa
07 January 2020