LocationsStakeholders discuss aligning the Tourism Bill 2081 with Nepal’s evolving tourism landscape
July 22, 2026
As Nepal seeks to position itself as a destination for adventure, wellness, spirituality and high-value tourism, stakeholders emphasized the importance of aligning the proposed Tourism Law Amendment Bill, 2081 with the sector’s rapidly evolving realities.
At an “Expert Review and Public Consultation on the Tourism Law Amendment Bill, 2081,” organized by the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal (ACORAB) through UNDP’s Parliament Support Project (PSP) supported by Norway, tourism entrepreneurs, legal experts, tourism workers and industry representatives shared a collective vision: Nepal’s new tourism law should not just be a regulatory framework, but a strategic vision for the country’s long-term tourism future.
The discussion comes at a crucial time for Nepal’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the COVID pandemic while trying to adapt to shifting global travel trends. Participants noted opportunities to refine the bill to ensure it is closely aligned with the practical challenges faced by tourism businesses, workers and local communities, moving beyond administrative processes.
“Nepal must shift toward quality tourism”
Hon’ble Sumnima Udas, Chair of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, acknowledged that the bill still lacks several important dimensions and assured stakeholders that broader consultations would continue once the legislation formally reaches the committee.
She noted that while Nepal welcomes around 1.1 million tourists annually, there are significant opportunities to enhance the sector’s economic benefits. Observing that the current average daily spending of approximately USD 40 could be improved, she compared it to higher averages in the region, such as Sri Lanka where a tourist spends about USD 148 per day.”
Referencing to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024, she pointed out the potential for Nepal to improve its global standing by better leveraging its vast natural and cultural assets. Chair Udas stressed the need of transitioning toward “quality tourism” by promoting high-value sectors such as wellness, spiritual, film and lake tourism. Her remarks reflected a growing concern among tourism stakeholders that Nepal can no longer rely on traditional trekking and mountaineering models to remain globally competitive.
Streamlining administrative processes and sector priorities
Tourism entrepreneurs suggested that certain provisions in the bill could be better aligned with the practical realities on the ground. President of the Hotel Association Nepal, Binayak Shah, highlighted the benefits of a “one-door policy” to streamline administrative procedures for investors and tourism operators. He also emphasized prioritizing eco-tourism, green tourism and wellness tourism, noting that practical, supportive regulations are essential to encourage investment and to foster innovation during the sector’s recovery.
Legal practitioner Hari Prasad Mainali focused on safety standards in adventure tourism. He proposed establishing criteria such as prior climbing experience for high altitude peaks like Everest and suggested developing a dedicated adventure tourism safety framework backed by digital monitoring systems.
Meanwhile, mountaineering representative Lakpa Phuti Sherpa urged policymakers to encourage greater participation of women in mountaineering expeditions through incentives, such as targeted fee discounts, to promote gender inclusivity in the sector.
Promoting inclusion for rural communities and tourism workers
Discussions also focussed on livelihoods, migration and social inclusion. Representatives from the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) noted economic pressures on the trekking industry, including taxation structures, and observed that some Himalayan communities are experiencing demographic shifts due to youth out-migration. Participants emphasized the need for policies that sustain local economies and preserve the vitality of mountain settlements tied to tourism.
Similarly, Chudamani Paudel from the Home Stay Federation pointed out the opportunity to more comprehensively integrate Nepal’s expanding homestay sector into the bill, given its vital role in generating rural income, preserving local culture, and empowering women. Tourism workers’ representatives emphasized on the stronger recognition of tourism labor in the proposed legislation.
Sarki Sherpa emphasized the importance of meaningfully including tourism workers in the policy-making process, acknowledging their ongoing contributions and the operational risks they share. Likewise, Ram Kaji Tiwari, President of the Nepal Independent Tourism Workers Guild (NITWOG), suggested further clarifying provisions related to labor classification, social security, insurance, and the role of foreign expedition leaders to ensure comprehensive worker protection.
Infrastructure and crisis preparedness in focus
Stakeholders highlighted key areas for infrastructure development to enhance Nepal’s tourism experience. Yubika Bhandari, Secretary General of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), noted the need for improved basic facilities, including dedicated tourism bus parks, better sanitation infrastructure, and organized tourist entry points in Kathmandu. She also stressed establishing a tourism crisis management mechanism, pointing out that the sector remains vulnerable to natural disasters, pandemics and unexpected global challenges.
Lawmakers present at the consultation—including Ganesh BK, Renuka Kaucha Magar, Janak Giri, Sajida Siddiqui, and Rajendra Laxmi Gaire—acknowledged these priorities, MP Siddiqui noted the importance of ensuring that legal frameworks remain streamlined and supportive, avoiding unnecessary administrative burdens on entrepreneurs, particularly during times of crisis.
