‘National Commitment’ Draft Unveiled: Target to Double Tourist Spending in 5 Years

The government has prepared and made public a draft of the “National Commitment” based on the election manifestos of six nationally recognized political parties following the elections held on Falgun 21.

The government has requested concerned political parties to submit their feedback and suggestions on the draft by Baisakh 10.

The draft prioritizes the development of the tourism sector, aiming to increase the number of tourists visiting Nepal and extend their average stay, while building a foundation for quality tourism. It also sets a target to double per-tourist spending within the next five years.

To achieve this, the plan includes diversifying the tourism sector and creating a new tourism ecosystem by integrating nature, culture, and local communities.

Special infrastructure will be developed to promote major destinations such as Pashupatinath, Lumbini, and the cultural and architectural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, along with religious corridors from Devghat to Muktinath and Janakpur as key religious-cultural tourism hubs.

Similarly, in coordination with provincial governments, local bodies, the private sector, and communities, the year 2027 will be celebrated as “National Wellness Year” to promote wellness tourism.

Tourism packages based on Nepali civilization, lifestyle, traditional attire, local cuisine, and handicrafts will be introduced, along with the expansion of homestay programs. For adventure tourism, the “Clean Mountains, Safe Climbing” campaign will be launched through coordination among all three levels of government.

Religious tourism sites such as Salpa Silichung, Bouddha, Lumbini, Muktinath, Halesi Mahadev, Pindeshwor, Dantakali, Swayambhunath, Gosainkunda, Pashupatinath, Pathibhara, and Mukumlung–Sumnimaparuhang will be further developed.

Training programs related to tourism and hospitality will be conducted at provincial and local levels. Special off-season packages will also be introduced to promote year-round tourism.

Additionally, new mountains will be opened for climbing, and policies will focus on expanding hotels, resorts, adventure services, and eco-tourism through public-private partnerships.