Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on 26 February officially launched Nepal Tourism Year 2011 amid a ceremony at Army Pavilion, Tundikhel. Launching the yearlong campaign by lighting a peace torch, Nepal urged all concerned to join hands for the most anticipated national campaign that could trigger economic revolution.

Representatives from political parties, tourism, economic sector, private sector, sports, entertainment and ethnic communities participated in the rally – that took out from five places in the city – before attending the inaugural ceremony.

Along with the PM, 18 political parties showed their commitment to the national campaign by pledging to make the campaign a big success and avoid any kind of bandh or strike in 2011 to maintain peace and security.

More than 40,000 people from different walks of life participated in rallies carrying national flags from City Hall, Lainchour, Academy Hall, Dasharath Stadium and Basantpur Durbar square to converge at the army pavilion. TAAN led the procession of about 2,000 trekking professionals, who enthusiastically participated in the rally with national flags.

After the launch in Kathmandu, the NTY 2011 Secretariat is planning to launch the programs in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Chitwan, Pokhara, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj, according to the NTB.