Tuesday, October 5, 2010

5.THAMEL (tourism spot) to get makeover

The Thamel Development board is all set to start a series of reforms and renovations in Thamel in the run up to World Tourism Day that falls on Sept. 7 and the upcoming Nepal Tourism Year 2011.
According to the president of the board Tejendra Shrestha, more than Rs. 5 million will be invested under the plan which includes installing street lights,putting up CCTVs at different junctions, developing new maos for tourists, managing wastes, fixing sewage problems and ensuring overall security. “We have already collected about Rs. 4.5 million from local business,” he said.
  Shrestha added that the board nwould take stringent measures to check prostitution, drug peddling and sound pollution that have tarnished the image of Thamel among locals as well as tourists in recent  times. “we have talked with the respective government authorities to keeps tabs on such disgraceful and illegal activities. Our vision is to promote Thamel as “Thamel on family” on World Tourism Day,” he added. About 80 percent of the tourists that come to Nepal visit Thamel at least once. “If we can’t offer4 them the kind environment they want, there will be no business for anybody. We are in the process of upgrading the image of Thamel,”he said, adding that bars and restaurants that play live music have already been requested to soundproof their establishments.
   “We have also told bars and restaurants not to allow in minors and not to let minors dance in dance bars. Only if we can ensure security and system in Thamel, it can be opened for 24 hours from the current deadline of 12 midinight,” he said. Shrestha added that the government needed to emphasize quality tourists over quantity during the upcoming tourism year.

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