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Nepal wins Observer Travel Award 2002
5/31/2002
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| Thousands
of travellers have voted Nepal as their favorite
long-haul country. This was the result of the
readership poll carried out by the Observer and
the Guardian newspapers, well known publications
of the United Kingdom. Surveys after surveys are
now reconfirming what came through time and
again in feedback from visitors and in overseas
press coverage. |
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More
than 15,000 people responded the questionnaire
published in January 2002 in which readers were
asked to rate the quality of services they received,
under 20 headings. The result of the survey,
published on Sunday Observer on May 26, 2002, places
Nepal in the second position with a score of 94.95
percent while New Zealand retains its first position
with a 95.59 percent.
Chief
Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, Mr.
Pradeep Raj Pandey says, "Such recognition from
travellers is excellent for Nepal. It certainly
reaffirms Nepal's reputation as a destination
offering the best of scenery and adventure,
multitude of possibilities to have a great holiday
and inhabited by the most friendly and charming
people."
The
latest accolade follows six months after Nepal was
voted second in the Top Country Category out of the
180 countries in the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2001.
Those
planning a trip this season will want to take note
of the line-up of activities in Nepal. His Majesty's
Government of Nepal has announced Destination Nepal
Campaign 2002-2003 (DNC 2002-2003) which will bring
together all the best Nepal has to offer. Some of
the major programs incorporated with the DNC are the
"International Year of Mountains 2002";
"Mt. Everest Golden Jubilee Celebrations
2002-2003" commemorating the first conquest of
Mt. Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and late
Tenzing Norgay Sherpa; and "International Year
of Eco Tourism 2002".
The
conquest of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, the tallest
peak in the world, is being celebrated from June 1,
2002 to May 31, 2003 with a variety of programs. The
one-year long Golden Jubilee programs include
several sporting and other events like international
cricket tournament, white water rafting, golf, rock
climbing, football, cross country relay race,
mountain-bike race, bowling, gliding, elephant polo
competition, photo and other exhibitions and so on.
Adding
dazzling color to Nepal's myriad attractions are the
festivals that dot the calendar. "Hundreds of
annual festivals are celebrated throughout the year
in traditional style highlighting enduring customs
and beliefs. We look forward to welcoming visitors
to join us in our celebrations", says Mr.
Pandey.
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