The last session of ‘Lumbiniko Samarthya’, an interaction program organised by Kantipur Media Group, discussed the prospects of the tourism industry in Lumbini province and the hurdles for growth.

Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Sudan Kirati, Senior Vice Chair of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Nepal Association of Travel Agents Lumbini Province Chair Rachana Pant, Bardiya chapter chair of Hotel Association Nepal Mohan Chaudhary were the speakers of the session.

Speaking at the interaction, Tourism Minister Kirati pledged to put maximum efforts to strengthen the tourism industry in the province. He said the diplomatic efforts for ensuring more direct flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport are underway.

Minister Kirati said tourism entrepreneurs in Lumbini should also focus on bringing more domestic tourists.

Bardiya chapter chair of Hotel Association Nepal Mohan Chaudhary said the province’s potential for tourism is yet to be explored.

“Although Lumbini Province holds a huge potential for tourism, we have failed to attract foreign tourists due to lack of publicity,” said Chaudhary.

Nepal Association of Travel Agents Lumbini Province Chair Rachana Pant said they are effortful to publicise places of touristic importance in the province other than Lumbini.

“The international airport should be fully operational at first to attract more foreign tourists,” she said.

Senior Vice Chair of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Chandra Prasad Dhakal said he is hopeful that the government will mitigate its weakness.

“The business community is capable of constructing required tourism infrastructures including hotels. The government needs to promote Lumbini among Buddhists across the world,” said Dhakal.

Dipendra Baduwal, Lumbini Province bureau chief of the Post, facilitated the session.