Pact with Nepal for joint push to tourism

TT, Siliguri: Stakeholders of the tourism industry in north Bengal and Nepal on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cross-border tourism.

At a function held here this afternoon, representatives of Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators' Association (EHTTOA) and Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) signed the MoU that would help address tourismrelated issued, work on development of infrastructure and work for economic growth of both areas and create more jobs in the sector.

"In the coming days, we plan to sign similar MoU with Bhutan and Bangladesh in due course to promote a larger and an integrated tourist circuit," said Sandipan Ghosh, general secretary, EHTTOA.

The initiative is backed by India Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board and Pokhra Tourism Council, he said.

The stakeholders also pointed that the Asian Highways and the Mansarovar Yatra via Sikkim would open the eastern Nepal region and north Bengal before international travellers.

"This MoU will be beneficial for the countries, which will not only increase the flow of tourists but will also help in creating job opportunities Bhutan also got into the circuit earlier," said Bhupal Raj Shrestha, president, NATTA.

"We have always insisted on joint promotion of the destinations of north Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal. said Debasish Maitra, president, EHTTOA.