Tourism News from Nepal, July 2009

Provided by: Usha Rai
Rise in Tourist Arrivals
July 3rd: According to TIA ( Tribhuvan International Airport), the month of June saw a rise in tourist air arrivals by six per cent .The most encouraging results came from European markets, with an overall positive growth of 25 per cent. Arrivals from UK grew by 15 per cent, while arrivals from Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Norway all posted significant growth of 27, 30, 34 and 17 per cent. Arrivals from China increased by 17 per cent , Thailand 37 per cent and South Korean 55 per cent. Other Asian segments registered a positive growth of 18 per cent.

NAC celebrates 51st Anniversary
July 2nd : National flag carrier, Nepali Airlines Corporation (NAC) celebrated its 51st anniversary on July 1st. At a function organized in Kathmandu to mark the event, K.B. Limbu, managing director of NAC, said the NAC would increase flights to more countries in the Gulf and southeast and south Asia after adding new planes to its fleet. NAC was established on July 1st, 1958.

Asadh 15
June 29th: According to the Nepali calendar today is the 15th day of the month of Asadh, a day that farmers across the nation celebrate as Ropai Jatra or rice planting festival. Nepalese farmers celebrate by singing songs composed particularly for this season known as “Asadhe Bhaka” and having a pretty good time planting with mud in their fields. It is customary to have yoghurt(dahi) , beaten rice(chewdda) and kwanti(a soup prepared with a mixture of beans and lentils) on this day.

Bhoto Jatra Celebrated
June 28th: The chariot procession of Rato (red) Machendranath, the local rain god, finally drew to a close with the Bhoto Jatra ( the public viewing of the God’s bejeweled vest ) on 27th June. Dr.Ram Baran Yadav, President of Nepal was the chief guest at the celebration. The chariot procession of the rain god, Rato Machendranath lasts for about a month and is the longest chariot pulling festival in Lalitpur. The chariot with the idol of the deity is drawn through the major places in Lalitpur, finally coming to rest in Jwalakhel. Here, the public is shown the bejeweled vest (bhoto) of the god . This ceremony known as Bhoto Jatra marks the end of Rato Machendaranath’s journey. This festival is very important for the valley’s farmers ,as they believe that Rato Machendranath brings with him the monsoonal rains, so important for the rice planting season.

US aid for restoration of cultural assets
June 28th: Tusha Hiti and Bhandarkhal Tank at Patan Durbar Square will receive financial support from the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation . The two sites , believed to be built during the 17th century, are masterpieces carved in stone and are a part of the World Heritage Site of Patan Durbar Square.

NRB directs airlines to deal in Nepali currency
June 26th: International airlines flying to and from Nepal will have to issue air tickets in Nepali currency as per the new provision introduced by Nepal Rastra Bank. The new provision will come into effect from July 1st. Except for Nepal Airlines, the other airlines have been issuing air tickets only in dollars. Nepali travel agents and public were bearing huge loss because of the strengthening dollars and weakening Nepali currency. The central bank recently issued a circular regarding the new change to Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA). After the change comes into effect, the airlines will have to display fares in Nepali currency.
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July 3, 2009   Posted in: Nepal