Nepal to lure more tourists from South India

Chennai, Jan 18 (UNI) Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has planned to attract more tourists from south India through its new brand campaign 'Unleash Yourself...Naturally Nepal - Once Is Not Enough'.

NTB Chief Executive Officer Prachanda Man Shrestha told newspersons here today that the year 2007 has shown an overall growth of 27.1 per cent in total tourist arrivals, in which India itself comprises a share of 26 per cent.

''With the growing peace and stability witnessed in the changed context, this January itself showing substantial growth in the number of tourists visiting Nepal as compared to the same period last year'', he claimed.

He pointed out that Nepal was a vibrant and happening destination with more than 500 events. Festivals would take place throughout the country this year and they would attract more tourists, especially people coming from South India.

''In 2007, ten new airlines operated regular flights to Nepal from South East Asian and the Middle East'', he said, adding ''although, we have 50 flights per week flying regularly from Delhi, Kolkata and Varnasi, we are eager to initate direct flights from the southern part of India.'' He said considering the peak holiday season of India, Nepal Airlines was also preparing to resume its Mumbai-Katmandu flights from April.

''Our new brand campaign would focus on Indian tourists with various weekend-break holiday package, which should offer party weekends, romantic weekends, adventure weekends and shopping weekends'', he said.

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