Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA) has demanded to expand air service in different regions of China for the development of tourism of Nepal.
CN Pandey, President of Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA) requested Madan Kharel, newly new Executive Chairman for Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) on yesterday’s meeting. NATTA has demanded to initiate the partnership with foreign airlines to promote national flag carrier’s capacity for the development of Nepalese tourism sector.
NATTA asked the corporation to operate flights to Europe, America as NAC’s service is inadequate in such destinations. It is speculated that the advertising strategy of NAC is weak and NATTA has recommended the utilization of new technology to create efficiencies in the market.
NATTA urged that the corporation to provide regular service and maintain standard rate in fare saying that the fare of domestic air services provided by the corporation is expensive which make tourists to avoid visiting main tourism site.
Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain, 1st Vice President stated that the corporation should operate flights to China which help in attracting Chinese tourists to Nepal.
On the occasion, Executive Chairman Kharel has shown positive response and said that the demand of NATTA’s will be addressed as soon as possible. He also expressed the view of improving air services for expanding the tourism sector in the various countries.
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has not got any response from China since long time for the agreement to fly to Guangzhou, the third largest city in South Central China. NAC applied for an operating Authorization in 2015 to operate flights to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
In February 2014, Nepal and China signed a revised bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA). The agreement allowed 56 flights per week with any type of aircraft on a mutual basis. The agreement allowed each country to enhance the flight rate to 70 per week by 2016.
Chinese airlines were allowed to operate 14 flights a week according to the old ASA. Currently, Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines and Tibet Airlines are operating regular flights to Nepal, however, airline companies of Nepal have not received any permission from Chinese sides. Rabindra Adhikari, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) stated that a diplomatic effort to operate Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) flights to China has been initiated.
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