Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the need to establish tourism as the foundation of prosperity and suggested the promotion of the 'farm to plate' concept by directly supplying agro and organic products from farmers to hotels.

Speaking at the 'First Hospitality Day, 2080' organized by the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) on its establishment day, President Paudel urged hotel entrepreneurs to pay special attention to making tourism a base for income generation and prosperity.

President Paudel suggested hotels operate agriculture farms or sign agreements with farmers to directly supply agricultural products. He highlighted the importance of showcasing Nepal's indigenous food and culture globally. HAN Chairperson Binayak Shah demanded that the government recognize the hotel industry, which has investments almost equal to the country's annual budget, as a national priority industry.

Nepal welcomed over one million tourists in 2023, according to Nepal Tourism Board data. The government aims to double the number of foreign tourists in 2024. Currently, Nepal can accommodate 3.5 million tourists annually, with around 10,000 operational hotels, including five-star, lodges, and resorts. On the occasion, President Paudel honored former HAN presidents for their contributions to the hospitality sector and launched HAN's publication 'Year Book 2024.'

President Paudel also unveiled 'Hospitality Day 2080,' 'Nepali Heritage Food Best,' and an e-learning video.