Nepal on Wednesday observed the 27th World Tourism Day by organizing a variety of programs on the theme "Tourism Enriches".

In the context of Nepal heading towards lasting peace after putting an end to the 10-year conflict and Nepal's improved tourism image, the government of Nepal and tourism entrepreneurs are enthusiastic about observing the day, the National News Agency RSS reported.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation is to accord a special welcome to tourists coming to Nepal and also those leaving Nepal Wednesday.

Likewise, the ministry is to award the hotel, travel agency, trekking agency, airlines company recording the highest foreign exchange earning and the airlines company providing services to the maximum number of passengers in the remote areas of the country.

On the occasion, the Nepal Tourism Board will expedite its publicity campaign of promoting Nepal as a safe tourist destination.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2006)