Tourism industry in NE fears over EU's ban on Nepal airlines

SILIGURI: The decision of European Union (EU) to ban all airlines from Nepal from flying into the 28-nation bloc has come as a major jolt to the tourism industry of not' only Nepal, but whole of eastern Himalayan region including North East India, Sikkim and Bhutan.

As per the EU decision that has been made public through a statement issued by European Commission Vice President Siim Kallas, also responsible for transport, Nepalese airlines are prevented from flying into or within the Union. It is not Nepal only but the blanket ban covers many other countries like Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Mozambique, Indonesia etc with total 295 airlines. ""We do hope that this ban will help the aviation authorities to improve aviation safety,"" says the statement.

Because of minimal direct activity of any Nepali airlines in EU sky, this prohibition may have minor immediate commercial effect on Nepal aviation. But, "In long term, it will act as a confidence dampening factor for the foreign tourists on Nepal airlines even for domestic flying within the country impacting foreign tourists arrival," said Mr. B. Thapa a veteran tour operator in Kathmandu.

"Not only EU countries, traveler's trend from other western countries also may get altered following this ban," he added.

According to Nepal tourism ministry statistics, on an average Nepal receives around 50,000 foreign travelers a month through air routes. This includes a significant share from EU countries. While arrival from non EU western countries had shown over 25% growth during Aug- Sep- Oct period over same period last year, arrival from EU countries was already showing a degrowth of over 15% during the period.

"It is a major concern for Indian tourism industry too," said Mr. R Basu, a senior tour operator and travel advisor to Government of Sikkim.

Concerned over the situation, Mr. S Roy, Secretary Eastern Himalayan Tour and Travel Operators Association( EHTTOA) said, "At least 40% of the travelers arriving any place in eastern Himalayan region comprising circles of Nepal, Bhutan, NE India combines up at least two circles. Naturally, FTA in Nepal builds a huge portion of business volume for Sikkim, other NE states or Bhutan. That is now under jeopardy."

However, "We hope Nepal will take immediate initiative to get out of the ban," said EHTTOA members.