The government has allocated almost Rs12 billion for the tourism sector.

Unveiling the budget for fiscal 2024-25, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun said that a budget of Rs11.91 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Pun also said that the government aims to welcome 1.6 million tourists in the upcoming fiscal year.

The finance minister also announced plans to facilitate foreign tourists who come to Nepal for wedding ceremonies in a bid to promote various cultural and tourist destinations within the country as wedding destinations.

The government will also lease government lands to the private sector for hotel construction to increase the number of tourists.

Roadways, electricity and water facilities will be provided to such buildings via cooperation between the local and provincial governments, Pun added.

A budget of Rs5.46 billion has also been allocated to improve tourism infrastructure, such as repairing roadways and establishing tourist rescue centres in potential risk-prone areas, among others. The amount will be spent through the Tourism Department.