(Mt. Makalu)
People like to travel abroad. They visit countries which have many places of interest. In Nepal we have the lofty Himalayans. These mountains are full of fine scenery. There are many beauty spots on the mountains. The snowcapped peaks, roaring falls, the tranquil lakes, the fine flora and fauna, the antique and artistic temples attract many people to our country. Every year thousands of foreign tourists come to our country.
(Inside Maya Devi Temple in Lumibini)
We should welcome tourists. Tourism is a source of earning foreign currency. The tourists who come to our country exchange foreign currency with our money. In this way, we get foreign currency. Foreign currency is useful to us for purchasing foreign goods. Tourists purchase some goods, curios and native articles in our country. The producers of these goods gain something from tourists. Tourists also help the hotel industry. They like to stay in good and well-furnished hotels. Some good hotels have been built in Kathmandu to accommodate foreign tourists. Tourists require guides. Some people earn a living as guides.
(Pokhara Phewa Lkae)
Tourists help some of our people to learn foreign customs and languages. The persons who work in hotels or serve as guides learn some foreign customs and languages from tourists. We can see some uneducated boys in Kathmandu speaking English and guiding foreign visitors. Those who come cultivated a broad outlook. They become cosmopolitan in manners and can easily mix with the people of other countries.
Tourists help to acquaint their countrymen with our country. They see many good things in our country and talk of them when they return to their country. Many people in foreign countries have prejudiced notions about our country. Tourists see many things with their own eyes and shed off many of prejudices. They see the progress made in our country and do not think that Nepal is only a land of forests, mountains and temples. They come to know that there are many fine things and fine people. What we cannot tell about our country by spending lots of money on publicity can be done without spending a penny with the help of tourists. So we should leave a good impression on tourists with our behavior and speech.
Nepal was a forbidden land to tourists before 1950. The autocratic Rana rulers hardly permitted foreigners to come to Nepal. With the advent of democracy Nepal has opened its doors to all.
Tourists from any country are free to visit our land. Many tourists come every year, but we should attract more. The Government should provide them with many facilities. They should have little visa and customs difficulties. They should feel secure and comfortable where they stay. They should have freedom of movement and should be able to see places they like. The people who come into contact with them should be polite and courteous. We should welcome tourists for they are good paying guests.
(Baudha)
