Tourism ministry to introduce new policies Kathmandu, December 2: After signing of the historic peace accord between the government and the Maoists, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation is all set to introduce new policies and programmes to tap Nepal’s tourism potential, Tourism Minister Pradip Gyawali said today. “Now that the conflict and violence have come to an end, the country blessed with tremendous tourism potentials, should moved ahead,” said Gyawali. Emphasising the need to make an optimum use of tourism potential and possibilities, he said: “We want to increase tourist arrivals by two-fold.” However, the country needs sound infrastructure and experts to enhance the tourism sector, he said at the Everest Award - 2006 ceremony and the book release programme organised by the Everest Summitteers’ Association (ESA). A pictorial book ‘Nepal from the Sky’ authored by captain (pilot) Bed Uprety was launched by former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at the programme. Gyawali, on behalf of the ESA, presented the Everest Award to Moni Mulepati Sherpa and Pemba Dorje Sherpa who set a world record by tying the knot on Everest summit last year. Pointing out that it is a difficult task to improve Nepal’s image which has been ruined in the past due to conflict, Gyawali said: “Travel advisories on Nepal issued by other countries have yet to improve. Let’s keep tourism out of political conflict,” he said. Diwas Pokharel, general secretary of the ESA, lauded the government for allocating a budget of Rs 400,000 to manage garbage on Mt Everest.