A rally was held today in the major touristic hub Thamel today, marking the World Tourism Day.The rally organised by the Thamel Tourism Development Council and supported by other various organisations originated in the Employee Provident Fund building area and concluded upon reaching the same venue by going through Jyatha, JP Mode, Chaksibari, Satghumti, Pipalbot and Amrit Science Campus.

On the occasion, Council chair Bhabiswor Sharma said such type of event would help revive tourism industry hit hard by Covid-19 pandemic. As he said, majority of tourists arriving Nepal reach Thamel and the today’s programme was also meant for spreading positive message about Nepal’s tourism in the aftermath of pandemic. According to him, 7,000 to 10,000 tourists visit Thamel in a season. The Council has scheduled a cultural feast and a programme this evening on the occasion of the Day.

Senior tourism entrepreneur Keshab Pandey stressed the need of promoting to the country’s tourism business to see positive changes in the nation’s development. Meanwhile, on the occasion of the World Tourism Day, the Bhaktapur municipality in Bhaktapur today welcomed and honoured the very first tourist squad from aboard reaching the Bhaktapur Durbar Square today.

Bhaktapur mayor Sunil Prajapati was there to welcome the first comers to the heritage site with a shawl, Bhadgaunle topi (a typical cap), a bouquet and special gifts featuring the historic and cultural identity of the town.The World Tourism Day has been held on September 27 each year since 1980 and this year the Day was observed around the theme –’Rethinking Tourism’.