"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

Organized by the Nepal Embassy- Brussels and facilitated by the Friends of Nepal Group in the European Parliament, "The Nepal for all Seasons" program was held on 03 March 2008 at the main parliament building of the European Union in the city of Brussels, Belgium. This was a first ever event of Nepal Tourism Board organized in this premise. The head of the Nepal delegation, Mr. Leela Mani Paudyal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation welcomed the Members of the European Parliament and other dignitaries attending the program. In his brief address, Secretary Paudyal appraised the guests about the current political situation in the country and lauded the European Parliament and European Union for their support and cooperation received during the democratic movement followed by the peace process of Nepal. The Secretary expressed hope that the European Parliament would continue to extend its support to assist in the building of a prosperous, harmonious and inclusive Nepal. He urged European friends to help promote tourism in Nepal which he claimed would help sustaining peace by creating employment opportunities in a relatively short period of time. The chief guest, Mrs. Neena Gill, MEP, and chairperson, Friends of Nepal in European Parliament expressed great happiness at the positive developments in Nepal and was confident that with peace and stability tourism will see great progress. Presenting Naturally Nepal - Nepal for all Seasons Ms Nandini Lahe Thapa, Director of NTB highlighted the major tourism attractions of Nepal and explained the vital role played by the tourism in Nepal's economy. The program was perceived as thoroughly enjoyed by the attending dignitaries. More than a dozen senior members of European parliament, Director and Deputy Director of South Asia division of European commission, journalists and high ranking officials from both the European Parliament and Commission were present on the occasion. Ambassador (designate) of Nepal to European Union, Mr. Pramesh K Hamal and other officials from the Embassy were also present on the occasion. The Friends of Nepal Group in European Parliament is a platform of members of European parliament representing different countries to share ideas and information and to promote the larger interest of Nepal and the European Union.