top June 2008
top June 2008
According to the department's epidemiology and disease control division, 65 out of the 75 districts are deemed malaria-endemic - affecting nearly 79 percent of the country's 28 million inhabitants. Worst at risk are 13 districts, including Kavre, where temperatures of 20-30 Centigrade and an altitude below 2,000m make them ideal mosquito breeding grounds. The other districts include Sindhuli, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Mohatari and Dhanusa in the eastern region; Banke and Bardiya in the mid-west, and Kanchanpur, Kailali and Dadeldhura in the far west, as well as Nawalparasi in central region. Geographically
divided into mountains ("parbat"), hills ("pahad") and lowland plains ("Terai"),
the Himalayan nation is administratively divided into five development
regions - far west, mid-west, west, central and east.
May 2008
Officials at the tourism ministry said the royalty for claiming Everest has been slashed by 75 per cent during winter and summer seasons and 50 percent during the autumn season. The royalty for the spring season will remain the same. May 2008
Satellite images indicate that the Dig Tsho in the in Khumbu region has reached a stable state. The expedition could see on the ground that even if the steep Langmoche glacier retreats further, the lake won't grow as only bed rock will be exposed. The present outlet of the lake is at the same level as the Langmoche river bed, and there is no longer any likelihood of a mass failure at the breach area blocking the outlet. However, the threat of GLOFs in the valley remains a serious threat as there are several glacial lakes close by which are growing rapidly and could burst at some stage. top April 2008
China is thought to be concerned that a protest may coincide with plans to take the Olympic torch up the highest mountain on earth. top January 2008
Based in Kathmandu, FlyYeti.com will provide affordable and convenient service to a broad range of international destinations. The new carrier is expected to begin operations with Inaugural flight taking off to Sharjah before the end of month of January 2008 followed by operations to selected destinations in India as well as to Doha and Kuala Lampur in Malaysia. With
the addition of the new flights, passengers will be able to fly to Kathmandu
six days a week, every day except Friday. Flights will depart from Sharjah
at 7:15AM and arrive in Kathmandu at 12:45PM local time. Flights will depart
from Kathmandu at 13:30PM and arrive in Sharjah at 16:30PM local time.
The European markets have too recorded an encouraging growth (19.8%) during the month with arrival numbers increasing from almost all the markets excepting a few. Growth was observed from Switzerland ( 97.8%). UK (21%), France (33.4%), Belgium (56.1%) ,Denmark (34.5%) Spain (41.9%) and Germany (19.6%),. The Dutch arrivals have too increased by 26.7%. The only markets to come down were Austria (-22.2 %), Israel (-8.1%) and Italy (-4.2%. The Americans market has too registered a growth of 33.7% while Australian arrivals have gone up extremely well up by 41.4%. The total non-Indian visitors, which contributed 70.1%, share in overall December arrivals registering a 25 % growth indicates the growing consumer confidence and interest towards Nepal from the long haul markets. Analyzing the growth trend of 2007, it has been recorded 27.1% growth over 2006 with the arrival figure reaching 360,350 all time high since 2000 against 283,516 in 2006. In 2000, the number of visitors arriving Nepal by air was 376914. Since then, it has continued to plummet due to various socio-political reasons. One
of the main reasons for inspiring growth in 2007 in tourist arrivals is
the ongoing peace process and political stability in the county. Another
reason is the good air connectivity with many destinations ushered in by
the operation of 9 new international airlines to Nepal in 2007. 2008 seems
to be very promising year for Nepalese travel trade as more new airlines
are coming and existing airlines are also extending their flight frequency
to Nepal.
January 2008
Now the designated airlines of both countries can operate 28 each passenger and cargo flights a week and they can use any type of aircrafts. The existing ASA grants eight passenger flights and four cargo flights each week from each country. Yeti
Airlines, a Nepali private operator and RAK Airlines of the UAE have already
received sought-permission to operate between Nepal and the UAE.
Nepal Tourism Board organised a programme on December 21, 2007 on the theme of 'Building Partnership on the threshold of NTB entering into 10th year and welcoming New Year 2008 for tourism prosperity'. Addressing the function chief guest Minister for Finance Dr. Ram Saran Mahat said that Nepal has best tourism products in the world in terms of its diversity, variation of landscape, culture and tradition within a short distance. Stressing on the ongoing peace process as a positive sign, he also urged the diplomatic community to review their travel advisory in the changed context of Nepal's polity. He also mentioned Nepal as a heaven for tourists and extolled the variety of food and cuisine that available in Kathmandu within a range of half kilometre. In the programme, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said," Tourism which depends upon the arrival of foreign tourists, hence it is but imperative that all the diplomatic missions abroad play their vital role in promoting Nepal to their best of their ability in depicting Nepal for all to visit for all seasons. We expect that Nepal will be projected as a place where all are welcomed not only it has now assumed peace but also because Nepal totally believes in "Athithi deo Bhawa" as well as to launch a campaign for send home a friend." He further said, "I would like to make a small but interesting announcement that we are thinking to launch another Visit Nepal Year or similar type of campaign that will be announced formally after discussion with stakeholders. I am very confident that Nepal will be further known to others beyond Nepal, and will create an amicable environment for all to visit." Speaking at the function, Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board said that in the aftermath of the changed political context of Nepal and restoration of peace by putting to an end the decade long uncertainty and conflict, tourism industry has taken a sigh of relief. He further added, "Stakeholders and general public have been exhilarated and encouraged to participate in tourism activities with an anticipation to see tourism boom in the nation. New hopes have dawned upon the people from all corners of society. People are desperately waiting for a sustainable peace and prosperity. Tourism is expected to bring about a difference in a very short period of time. We believe that the first thing to be done is declare tourism as a national priority in its socio-economic agenda." Mr.
Leela Mani Poudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil
Aviation and the Chairman of Nepal Tourism Board expressed vote of thanks
to all who supported Nepal's tourism. The programme was attended by high
government officials, diplomats, travel industry leaders and media persons.
Source: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) January 2008 |
