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The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), Digital Traveler ~ Asia Pacific eNewletter, September 2005www.ecotourism.org
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“Nepal Welcomes Visitors, as Always”By Wendy Brewer Lama
 Nepal’s hospitality has long been a favorite among world travelers. That, despite the political upheavalsin recent years, has not changed, and the situation seems to be improving with the Maoists’ call for aceasefire on 3 September 2005.“The ceasefire is a welcome opening for peace negotiations,” says Wendy King, Nepal PeaceCorps Volunteer and CARE employee who lived in Nepal from 1977 and 2004. “During my visitto Nepal in July, I felt as safe and welcomed as ever. No one in Nepal wants harm to tourists.”Bret Meldrum, a graduate student in mountain tourism management from University of Idaho,acknowledges that peace and a revitalization of tourism require “that government, the privatesector, and NGOs collaborate to achieve a common goal.”What can visitors do to ensure that their stay in Nepal will be socially and environmentally responsibleand beneficial to the local communities, as well as safe and enjoyable? Here are a few suggestions:
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Pay fairly for goods and services. Hire a local certified guide to help provide a job and be better informed.
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Contact the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal for trekking information and a member directory. (www.taan.org.np
 
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Support community-based ecotourism projects in rural areas to improve livelihoods and conservecultures and the environment. Check out information on Sustainable Tourism Network (STN),Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP), and others.
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Support Nepal’s ecotourism codes of conduct and encourage those who practice it. Visit theKathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) office for information aboutenvironmentally sound trekking and more (www.keepnepal.org
 
)
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The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) ranks parts of central and east Nepal,including the Everest and Langtang trekking regions, as moderately secure, and the Annapurnaarea as having moderate security problems. Find out more about where you wish to visit fromyour embassy or consulate in Nepal.
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