Tourism Associations NATTA, TAAN, HAN, NARA, NMA and SOTTO submitted a five point petitions to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Bagdurbar, Kathmandu. The delegates representing their respected associations met Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Mr. Bidya Sundar Shakya and handed over the petitions on, 10th August 2018.
One of the major request, associations were alleging that Metropolitan Office should only collect local municipality tax from the current Fiscal Year 2075/76 from the tourism trade.
However in urge of the associations in the meeting, Mr. Shakya informed that from now onwards the tax will be collected only from the fiscal year 2072/73. The pledge also requested on collecting equal amount of tax in all the tourism trades, especially for IATA and Non IATA agents. As currently the amount of submitting tax is distinct for IATA and Non IATA agents. Likewise, other petitions included: entry fee raised in tourist areas are relatively costly and the raised cost to be utilized for the maintenance of the designated sector; entry fee in tourist area should be valid for some period of time that ease tourists to reenter in the area. In addition, the other point included that only licensed tour guide should be authorized to give service.
The petition was signed by President of six associations pleading all demands to be taken into consideration as soon as possible, making in top priority.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bidya Sundar Shakya expressed his support to the petitions submitted and assured for considerations towards it.
The delegation of the associations led by NATTA was represented by NATTA officials; President Mr. CN Pandey, 2nd VP Mrs. Sangita Jirel Bade and Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa and Executives from other associations.
Similarly, Mrs. Bade, Chairperson of IR & VAT Tax Committee met with Secretary of Ministry of Finance to apprise on the similar issue. Mrs. Bade also strongly contended on inappropriate provision of charging entry fees randomly by different municipalities for tourists.
