Nepali Embassy in Sri Lanka organizes a tourism promotion program in Colombo recently with the slogan of  Nepal: you should visit at least once in your lifetime.

According to a press release issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alarge number of outbound travel agents/tour operators and representatives of Government agencies of Sri Lanka, Members of Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Nepal Business Council, Sri Lanka Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Chamber of Tourism and Industry of Sri Lanka, prominent media houses and Country Manager of Himalaya Airlines totaling more than 70 persons, participated in the program. High level Government officials from Colombo, including  Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, Director General ,South Asia and SAARC Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and others related to independent bureaus of tourism also attended the program.

Dhana Kumari Joshi, Charge d' Affaires a i delivered welcome address. Saying that Nepal with lots of tourist attractions and amenities has much more to offer and Nepal and Sri Lanka can work closely to promote tourism on the backdrop of already established direct air connectivity by Nepali Airlines from Kathmandu to Colombo.

Janaka Sugathadasha, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs graced the occasion as chief guest and addressed the gathering.

He expressed the willingness of Sri Lanka to join hand with Nepal with regards to tourism promotion in both the countries. He wished that both the countries can attract lots of tourist with reference to Ramayana trail and Buddhist pilgrimage. He wished Nepali Embassy every success in its sincere efforts to boost tourism.

Second Secretary and Charge d' Affaires Dhana Kumari Joshi made a detailed power-point presentation about tourism attractions in Nepal and highlighted relevant visa procedures. The presentation was focused on tourism opportunities in Nepal covering nature, culture and adventure. She gave a detailed presentation on natural beauties covering the Himalayas, hills and the Terai region; Lumbini, other cultural attractions including temples and monasteries, and arts and culture; and adventurous activities available in Nepal. She urged the audience to visit Nepal at least once and then they will be willing to visit there again and again.

Representative of Yeti Holidays of Nepal in Sri Lanka, Prashanna Adhikari also presented Tourist attractions of Nepal through a video prepared by Nepal Tourism Board.

Besides presentation, posters of Lumbini, Swatyambhunath Stupa, Boudhhanath Stupa, Everest, Map of Lumbini area and brochures related to tourism etc were wee displayed at the entrance and distributed to all the participants at the exit.

The program was conducted by Hem Bahadur Bhujel, Attache', Embassy of Nepal in Colombo and it was also covered by some prominent media houses based in Colombo.

The audience was excited to see the places and activities in offer. Later, they expressed their willingness to work with Nepal and prepare some tourist packages to Nepal. This programme is believed to be an eye opener and have greatly contributed to publicizing Nepal in Sri Lanka.