Tourism Minister asures to upgrade Lukla airport as boutique airport

Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai addressing inauguration ceremony of Tourist Information Center in Solukhumbu on November15, 2020. Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Kathmandu: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai has said that Lukla Airport in Solukhumbu will be upgraded as a boutique airport.

Speaking at the inauguration and handover ceremony of the Tourism Information Center building constructed by the Department of Tourism at Khumbu Pasanglhamu Village Municipality in Solukhumbu on Sunday, Minister Bhattarai said that the Lukla Airport will be decorated to reflect the culture of the Sherpa community.

He also directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to prepare the budget for rennovation of this airport. Minister Bhattarai said that the operation of the airport could be handed over to the local level, adding that the necessary policy arrangements would be prepared by the ministry.

He mentioned that the basic services can be provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and the local government can be allowed to operate the airport. Stating that Lukla is the main gateway to the Himalayas, Minister Bhattarai said that an information center is needed as it is an important area due to national parks, mountains and biodiversity.

He expressed confidence that all the information about the Everest region, Sherpa culture information, historicity, trekking route and tourist area will be available at the Tourism Information Center.

Director General of the Department of Tourism, Rudra Singh Tamang urged to make the building useful for providing information on tourism by making proper use of it. He informed that a study has been started to set up a tourism information center in a other places as well.