Tibet signed the Bilateral Tourism Cooperation Memorandum Paper with Nepal

Nepal Tourism Joint Coordination Commission finished the discussion on "the promotion of the bilateral tourism development, tourism cooperation, ports opening and tourism association" and a series of related matters in Lhasa. Both Tibet and Nepal signed on the Bilateral Tourism Cooperation Memorandum Paper and the Restaurants Association Memorandum.

It is reported that this conference was based on the Sino-Nepal Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2003 and the 5th Conference of the Sino-Nepal Tourism Joint Coordination Commission held in Kathmandu in 2011. This conference was aimed at further promoting the bilateral tourism cooperation between China and Nepal (especially Tibet and Nepal). This annual international conference was held in Lhasa on Dec.17th and 18th this year.

In fact, there is a big complementarity in tourism between Tibet and Nepal. There is a large number of domestic tourists would like to make a Nepal tour in winter every year. At the same time, a large quantity of followers of Buddhism from Nepal would come to Tibet for pilgrimage. Besides, there is also a number of abroad tourists would like to enter or leave Tibet via Nepal. Hence, there is a large cooperation potential.

The number of domestic tourists made a Nepal tour increased rapidly recent years. The direct flight between Lhasa and Kathmandu has been put into cooperation for many years. Besides, it is also very convenient to visit Nepal overland. Some of the tourists abroad would like to enter into Tibet from Nepal or leave Tibet for Nepal via the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge.

To meet the demand of tourists willing to visit Tibet and Kathmandu in just one trip, the tour operators in Tibet explored a series of special tourism products. Generally, tourists planning leave Tibet via Kathmandu could choose the tour routes start from Lhasa and end at Zhangmu Port. This kind of route always collected the cultural and natural spots in Lhasa and Shigatse. In stead, tourists willing to enter into Tibet from Kathmandu overland could choose the tour routes start from Zhangmu and end at Lhasa.

In addition, the signed Restaurants Association Memorandum established the foundation for the cooperation between the restaurants in Nepal and Tibet. As we all known, accommodation is one of the most important factors for tourists all around the world.