President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has said the reconstruction in the post quake scenario should be the primary priority in order to enhance tourism in the country.

She said so while inaugurating the first Tholedemba Tourism Festival here on Friday.

“It is crucial to restructure the heritage sites destroyed in the devastating earthquake two years ago for sustainable development of tourism and to expose future generation to our culture and monuments,” said the President.

Highlighting the importance of trekking routes which have been serving as a perfect escape away from urbanisation, industrialisation and pollution, the President said agriculture, tourism and energy have rich potentiality of development in the country and therefore it is important to develop trails and trek routes.

The President also stressed on the need to promote herbs for the local development. “We should promote organic agro-tourism in the country,” said Bhandari.

The President also took a moment to wish prosperity for all Nepalis on the occasion of Nepali New Year 2074 BS.

CPN-UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokharel, NC leader Sujata Koirala and lawmakers, among others, were present on the occasion.