Govt plans a secretariat within NTB to promote wellness tourism

Kathmandu / July 1: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel has said the government is preparing to establish a contact office or secretariat under the Nepal Tourism Board to promote wellness tourism.

Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee on Wednesday, Paudel said the government plans to recruit personnel on a contract basis to systematically and effectively advance wellness tourism initiatives.

He said staff would be hired on long-term contracts if required to ensure continuity of the programme. “We will add dedicated staff as needed. If necessary, we will recruit employees on contracts of five or 10 years. We are preparing to establish a contact office or secretariat at the Nepal Tourism Board,” he said.

According to the minister, researchers, students, yoga and meditation instructors, and practitioners will also be involved in promoting wellness tourism. He added that the government plans to document and integrate Nepal’s traditional cuisine, wellness-based farming practices, traditional attire and lifestyle into the country’s tourism offerings.

Paudel stressed that Nepal’s indigenous food, agricultural practices and way of life should form the foundation of wellness tourism. “Our food has its own health value. Our farming practices also embody wellness principles. We need to catalogue everything related to wellness, including clothing, food and lifestyle, and put them into practice,” he said.