Nepal is bracing for Visit Nepal Year (VNY) 2020 with enthusiasm and excitement. The preparations for the mega tourism event are in full swing. With the theme of ‘Lifetime Experience,’ it seeks to bring in two million tourists in a year. The VNY is not just about earning foreign currencies. It will be milestone in putting Nepal on the map, giving a clear message to the international community that the Himalayan nation is a safe and attractive place after gaining durable peace, stability and democratic order. This is solid move to leave behind the nation’s agonising experiences of 2015 Gorkha Earthquake and prolonged political transition. Under the strong government, the country has witnessed significant improvement in doing business. It has now become a desired destination for foreign investors to repose their confidence and pour investment in diverse yet virgin areas with the huge prospect of returns.

As Nepalis are agog about the VNY that will officially commence in less than two weeks, on January 1, 2020, the world’s famous Forbes magazine has placed Nepal on top of the 10 travel destinations for the next decade to acquire the most once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Forbes’ announcement is a shot in the arm to the VNY. The magazine has praised Nepal various wonders ranging from Sagaramatha (Mt Everest) to national parks to the enchanting yet rugged mountains that thrill the trekkers. Magazine author Katherine Parker-Magyar has termed Mt Everest as ‘the most world-renowned adventure destination on the planet.’ Yes, Mt Everest is the identity of Nepal. It is the sublime manifestation of nature’s beauty and grandeur which mesmerises the people all over the world.  The world’s tallest peak continues to catch the fancy of Western world since George Mallory first tried to conquer it decades back. So the elite magazine writes: “Mallory's famous motivation for climbing Everest can be repurposed as your own justification for flying private to a nearby summit: because it's there.”

Nonetheless, Nepal has multitude of things on offer when it comes to tourism and travel. So Katherine writes: “From luxury resorts in Kathmandu to chic safari camps in the national parks of Bardiya and Chitwan, there's plenty to do in Nepal that doesn't require travelers to venture into thin air.” As Nepal is endowed with diversity of landscape, the travellers can start their trip from southern Nepal, with high-end jungle safaris, walking alongside the elephants through the Chitwan jungle to the banks of the Narayani River. Nepal is rich in the wild life and has preserved many endangered animals and parks. Tourists can enjoy from watching the wild animals and gathered marvelous experiences in Nepal. 

It is a matter of pride and happiness that Forbes magazine recognised Nepal’s enticing mountains, forests, rivers, hotels and cultural assets ahead of the big tourism event. In 2016, Forbes had also placed the scenic city of Pokhara at the top of the list of 20 best value cities for budget travellers. Such a positive publicity will surely inspire travellers from different nations to set foot in Nepal. In order to give full satisfaction to the tourists during their stay here, the country must improve tourism infrastructure and provide basic services to them. Proper policy, plan, incentive and awareness are essential to realise the high goal of VNY.