I enjoyed the interview with Tourism Board member Yogendra Shakya (Biz Chat, # 74). There is a huge potential in non-traditional markets. Many Americans like me would love to retire or live part of the year in Nepal. However due to Nepal's present visa policies, non-Nepali citizens are allowed only 120 days per calendar year, and must trek down to the visa office each month and undergo a lengthy interrogation to be allowed that privilege. And even though I am married to a Nepali, I could not apply and receive residency status without my husband personally making the application in Kathmandu. I encourage members of the Nepal Tourist Board to lobby government authorities to "think outside the box" and extend the visa allowance, which could potentially bring millions of rupees into the country. More will come to Nepal if the visa process is more open and extended.

Donna Spoon Regmi
Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Regarding the interview with Yogendra Shakya, I was amazed you did not ask him (nor did Mr Shakya mention) the horrible behaviour of the Department of Immigration staff toward visitors. They are unwelcoming and extort money when you try to extend your visa. And why does the Home Ministry continue to overcharge for visas while at the same time discouraging foreigners from spending longer periods in Nepal? Is it xenophobia?

Danny Birch
New York

It is very sad that the tourism industry in Nepal is suffering but I think it is as much to do with the people operating the tourism industry in Nepal as with bad publicity. I visited Nepal a year ago and saw a notice at a Thamel hotel which said "Nepalis not allowed". How can tourism be revived if you ignore domestic tourism?

Jan D
Denmark