Nearly three months of its operation in Nepal, China Southern
Airlines (CSA) is now focusing at promoting Nepal as an attractive
tourist destination among outbound Chinese travelers, an official
of the CSA said in Kathmandu Sunday.
"Although we are still a starter in the Nepali market, the
initial three months have proved that we could market Nepal as an
attractive destination among the Chinese tourists," Vincent Zhen,
general manager of CSA Nepal Office, told Xinhua.
The airlines began its Nepal operation from February 5,
connecting Nepali capital Kathmandu with Guangzhou City of China,
twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
"Over 1,100 Chinese passengers flew by China Southern on
Guangzhou-Kathmandu route over the past three months. The trend is
encouraging, which is a clear testimony that there still lies a
huge potential to be tapped," Zhen said.
According to Zhen, during the upcoming golden-week from May 1,
about 300-400 Chinese tourists will come to Nepal by CSA's
Boeing-757 aircraft.
Although Nepal and China are close neighbors, Nepal's rich
cultural heritage and biodiversity, south face of the majestic
Himalayas and Nepali hospitality are still unknown among many
Chinese, said Zhen, adding that Nepal has yet been properly
promoted in China.
He points out that the promotion of Nepal in China, the fastest
growing economy in the world, could significantly increase the
inflow of Chinese tourists, benefiting both the tourism industry
and the airlines.
"Keeping the growing trend in mind, CSA is ready to increase
frequency to four flights a week or even daily," he added.
(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2007)
