NATO requests for lifting of travel advisories

Following the comprehensive ceasefire and peace agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists on November 21, 2006, Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) has sent letters to all Embassies in Nepal urging them to review and lift their travel advisories issued against Nepal.

The Embassies have extended their full support and cooperation to assist NATO and the tourism industry to attract more tourists to this attractive destination, a statement issued by NATO said.

NATO quoted Michel Jolivet, Ambassador of France, as saying the current travel advisory does not advice in any way against travelling to Nepal and that there has been an increase of 16% of French tourists visiting Nepal this October compared to last October.

Dan Stav, Ambassador of Israel, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel has already lifted the travel advisory issued against Nepal back on April 26, 2006.

Mahindra Singh, Ambassador of Malaysia, said Malaysia has never issued any negative travel advisory against visiting Nepal.

NATO further said the initiative taken by the association will assist in generating positive response and hence increase the flow of tourists to Nepal. nepalnews.com dr Dec 04 06