As per the directive of the Executive Committee of Nepal Tourism Board under  the sub-rule (2) and (3) of Rule 3 of Nepal Tourism Board Regulations, 2055 and approved by the Ministry of Finance, the Government of Nepal, the Tourism Service Fee(TSF) has been revised from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000/- (excluding VAT) effective from March 1, 2014. The TSF will be levied on the outgoing foreign travelers departing from all airports in Nepal. However, it will be implemented only from Tribhuvan International Airport at present. Commenting on the new change, Mr. Subash Nirola, Acting Chief Executive of Nepal Tourism Board says that it would enable the Nepal Tourism Board to concentrate more on international  promotion  and domestic tourism development. “ With a bigger budget, Nepal Tourism Board will now prepare and implement  5 years plan to penetrate the market that has been unexplored before,” says Mr. Nirola. “ I now urge  all members of Nepalese travel trade industry to join in hands with us in promoting, expanding and developing  Nepalese tourism industry also in regional level by putting effort in increasing length of stay, tourist arrivals and average income per visitor per day,” he adds.

Over the last few years, the price rise in the international market coupled with the devaluation of Nepalese currency and  stiff competition among destinations,  for their presence in the international tourism market,  has made it difficult for Nepal Tourism Board to fare well  in the international  promotion. So, it has become inevitable for Nepal Tourism Board to increase TSF to meet the expectation of Nepalese tourism industry and to cope with the paradigm shift in the international tourism promotion and marketing. 

Nepal Tourism Board thanked especially Nepal Airlines Corporation, the National Flag Carrier along with all international airlines for their continued support and cooperation and  look forward to receive same kind of  cooperation as before.

The Tourism Service Fee was introduced in 1999 to fund the promotional activities of Nepal Tourism Board levying  2% service charge in tourism services. However,  the funding mechanism was later changed in January 14, 2005 with the levy of Rs. 500/- (excluding VAT) to all outgoing foreign travelers  exiting from Tribhuvan International Airport. The Tourism Service Fee has been revised after 9 years.