Kathmandu: The book “Connectivity and Networking in Nepal’s Tourism: From Landlocked to Land-linked Flights” authored by Hikmat Singh Ayer, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has been officially launched in Kathmandu.
Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Former Prime Minister, launched the book on August 22 during a program organized to mark the 20th anniversary of the Sudurpaschim Concern Forum Nepal.
Ayer, who hails from Sudurpaschim Province, has been associated with the NTB for the past 26 years, serving in various capacities and currently holding the responsibility of Officiating CEO.
The book examines Nepal’s tourism potential, challenges, and policy dimensions, with particular emphasis on tourism infrastructure, regional and international connectivity, networking, and market expansion.
The author presents tourism as a key driver of Nepal’s economic and social development and discusses issues ranging from the development of new tourism destinations to expanding access to regional tourism markets.
Drawing on his professional experiences and practical observations, Ayer argues that Nepal’s tourism development should not be limited to destination promotion. Instead, connectivity, networking, infrastructure, tourism products, policy and market development need to be advanced as an integrated strategy.
Author Ayer said Nepal needs to move beyond conventional destination promotion and adopt an integrated approach that combines connectivity, networking, policy, infrastructure, tourism products and market expansion.
Based on his 26 years of experience in Nepal’s tourism sector, Ayer has presented his perspectives on various aspects of tourism development and explored ways to connect Nepal’s tourism potential with regional and international networks.
He particularly links the development of north-south corridors, emerging tourism destinations, innovative tourism products, regional tourism markets and infrastructure with Nepal’s long-term tourism growth.
The book presents a vision of connecting all seven provinces through integrated transportation and connectivity networks, with the broader objective of transforming Nepal from a landlocked country into a more interconnected nation.
Ayer’s approach links improved connectivity directly with tourism development, arguing that better transportation networks can open new destinations, expand tourism markets, and strengthen Nepal’s integration with neighboring and international markets.
Participants at the launch said the issues raised in the book are particularly relevant at a time when Nepal is seeking to diversify tourism destinations, expand into new markets and strengthen regional connectivity
The book launch was attended by National Planning Commission Vige Chairman Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, former Energy Secretary Anup Upadhyaya, former Health Secretary and Chairperson of the Sudurpaschim Concern Forum Dirgha Singh Bam, and former Inspector General of Police Motilal Bohora, among other distinguished guests.
