Kathmandu. The new strategic cooperation between Nepal and Qatar is expected to bring multi-dimensional benefits to Nepal and its people through aviation, tourism, investment and hospitality sectors. With the expansion of collaboration between Qatar Airways and Nepal Airlines, there are signs of a significant improvement in air access, service quality and economic opportunities.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the major airlines of the two countries on Tuesday.
Ease of Air Travel and Expansion of Options
The enhancement and coordination of Doha-Kathmandu flights is expected to provide Nepali passengers with more options, competitive fares and easier transit services. It will further facilitate the Nepali community in the Middle East, Europe and America to visit Nepal. A single ticket (Nepal Airlines or Qatar Air) will greatly improve passenger experience by ensuring multi-destination travel, convenient baggage transportation and timely flight connections.
According to the agreement, Nepali passengers disembarking from Doha via Qatar Airways will be able to land at Kathmandu via Nepal Airlines from Doha.
Increase in tourism, opportunities for local employment
With the expansion of cooperation, the arrival of foreign tourists to Nepal is expected to increase. Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, guides, transport services and retail business will be created due to the increase in the number of tourists visiting destinations like Lumbini, Pokhara and Chitwan. This will expand economic activities to the local level and increase the source of income.
Investment and Skill Development in the Hospitality Sector
The Qatari investment is likely to establish hotels and resorts of international standard, which will upgrade the service sector. With this, Nepali youths will get an opportunity to learn skills in the hospitality, management and service sector as per international standards. The creation of new jobs and skills is expected to contribute to the long-term consolidation of human capital.
Export and Business
The expansion of air cargo cooperation will facilitate the transportation of Nepali products like medicinal herbs, handicrafts, readymade garments, agricultural products to the world market in a quick and safe manner. This is likely to help small and medium enterprises expand exports and increase foreign exchange earnings.
Strengthening of Nepal Airlines
Through the strategic partnership, NAC will be able to benefit from operational efficiency, training, technical support, and access to international networks. It is believed that this will help in increasing the competitiveness of the national flag carrier in the long run. Foreign currency inflow will increase due to increase in tourism income, foreign investment and exports. If local businesses flourish, tax revenue will increase and additional investment in infrastructure development will be possible. This is expected to have a positive impact on the overall economic activity.
