Mr. Khem Lakai, Hon. Treasurer of PATA Nepal Chapter and Spokesperson for the Tourism Recovery Task Force (TRTF) -Nepal, presented about "Unlocking Tourism in the New Normal"  during a webinar today (16th October 2020) on "Innovation and Engagement of Private Sector on Hand Hygiene" witnessed a wider audience represented by different ministries, WHO, GIZ, and UNICEF representatives in Nepal.

Mr. Lakai highlighted upon the immediate priorities, initiatives, and planning of TRTF-Nepal working together with the public and private sector of tourism fraternity in Nepal and other development agencies or partner organizations at the national and international level, towards its mission of rapid, robust, and responsible recovery of the tourism industry in Nepal from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He emphasized on the fact that regardless of the size of the establishment, be it a tea shop or 5-star hotels, providing safe and wholesome food and beverage to consumers is our moral obligation, as Nepal has embraced such provision under the fundamental human rights. It is possible to address this challenge within a short span of time, if all of us collaborate and involve all three tiers of government in the new structure. Besides, a strict policy with clear boundaries is non-negotiable in this context.

TRTF-Nepal will be joining hands with different stakeholders to pilot the innovative model to ensure food safety starting from 5 districts in Western Nepal.