Govt Unveils 100-Point Reform Plan to Revive Tourism Sector

The newly formed Balen Shah-led government has given special priority to the tourism sector, considered the backbone of the country’s economy, under its “100 Governance Reform Action Plan” to revitalize it.

According to the plan approved by the recent Cabinet meeting, the government aims to strengthen the tourism industry by improving the investment climate, promoting the private sector, and developing infrastructure.

The government has decided to mandatorily determine investment modalities for national pride tourism projects and large-scale tourism projects registered with the Investment Board.

Within 90 days, these projects will be classified under government funding, public-private partnership, or private investment models, and a “National Infrastructure Project Pipeline” will be made public. This is expected to accelerate stalled large tourism infrastructure projects.

To provide hassle-free services to domestic and foreign investors interested in tourism, a “One-Window Approval System” will be established under the Investment Board Nepal within a month. This will ensure timely approval for investments in large hotels, resorts, and adventure tourism.

The action plan also states that processes such as tourism business registration, tax registration, and bank account opening will be integrated and made available within 45 days through a “single-window business platform.”

The system will be fully digital, transparent, and trackable, eliminating the need for tourism entrepreneurs to visit multiple government offices or rely on middlemen.

To restore confidence among tourism entrepreneurs, the government will immediately implement a “Private Sector Protection and Promotion Strategy,” focusing on physical security and protection of assets. The Ministry of Home Affairs will also develop a “rapid response mechanism” within 30 days for tourism and industrial security.

The government has also decided to introduce a “Startup Fast Track” system for young entrepreneurs entering the tourism sector. Under this, small tourism businesses will be registered within two days and allowed to operate smoothly. Additionally, the risk weight on tourism sector lending will be reviewed within 30 days to make loans more accessible.

For tourism and other private businesses affected during the Gen Z public movement, the Ministry of Finance and Nepal Rastra Bank will introduce a special “relief and recovery package,” expected to provide financial support to struggling hotels and travel businesses.

Through this 100-point action plan, the government aims to make Nepal’s tourism market more investment-friendly and send a strong message internationally that Nepal is a safe and attractive tourist destination.