Ottawa, Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa recently launched “ Visit Nepal- 2020 campaign amidst a colourful ceremony in Ottawa. His Excellency Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana, Ambassador of Nepal to Canada, Member of Parliament Hon. Chandra Arya, Member of the Canadian Parliament and His Excellency Mr. Paul Thoppil, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Asia Pacific at the Global Affairs Canada jointly launched the Visit Nepal-2020 Campaign in Canada by lighting a Panas (traditional Nepali lamp).
Delivering a welcome speech at the program, H.E. Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana said that the Government of Nepal has declared this year as Visit Nepal Year with the objective of bringing in more and more foreign tourists, increasing tourism’s contribution to the nation’s development, and thereby enhancing Nepal’s international image. H. E. Dhungana further added that the Government of Nepal is focussing on enhancing connectivity in order to ensure sustainable growth of the tourism sector in the country and appealed to contribute from their respective positions to make the Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign a grand success.
Special guest and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Asia Pacific at the Global Affairs Canada H. E. Mr. Paul Thoppil expressed his best wishes for the success of Visit Nepal 2020 and assured that Canada will continue to support Nepal in the areas of climate change including for sustainable eco-tourism.
Similarly, extending best wishes for the success of Visit Nepal 2020, MP Hon. Chandra Arya emphasized on encouraging different communities in Canada to visit Nepal. MP Arya also expressed his hope that the Canadian support will continue in the fields of climate change as well as in the agro-biodiversity areas.
NRN Canada President Mr. Chiranjibi Ghimire, expressed his commitment to make the Visit Nepal 2020 a success through various activities in cooperation with the Embassy of Nepal and other community organizations.
During the program, a comprehensive audio-visual presentation was made by Mr. Prakash Adhikari, Counsellor/Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal, on major touristic attractions in Nepal, Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign and the incentives that are being offered by different agencies and stakeholders.
A large number of guests including Director-General, South Asia Division and other senior officials of the Global Affairs Canada, government officials, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps, prominent mountaineers and friends of Nepal, members of NRNA as well as other Nepali community organizations, tour operators, travel agents, representatives of different airlines, and media persons were also present at the programme.
Toronto based Nepali folk musical group ‘Himalayan Vibes’ presented Nepali folk music while Nepali artists performed dances and songs reflecting Nepali culture. The programme venue was decorated with pictures showcasing Nepal’s natural, cultural and touristic attractions. While showing promotional documentaries on Visit Nepal 2020, tourism promotional materials were also distributed to the guests.