Everest summiteers honoured in Ireland

Embassy of Nepal, London organised a Nepal Tourism programme in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday to boost the ongoing Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011.

On the occasion, Nepali Ambassador to UK Suresh Chandra Chalise honoured Mt. Everest Summiteers, Michael Murphy, Clare O'Leary, Pat Falvey and. Basil Geoghegan by conferring them the title of an Honorary Goodwill Ambassador of NTY 2011 on behalf of the Government of Nepal. Felvey and Lennon also told the audience about their thrilling experience while climbing the Mount Everest. They also pointed out that they were amazed by the Nepali people’s humility and hospitality, according to the Nepali mission in UK.

The programme was attended by huge number of Irish people from various backgrounds. The Chief Guest of the programme was the newly elected Dublin City Lord Mayor Andrew Montague, who ranks third in the protocol hierarchy after President and Prime Minister, together with other special guests namely senior member of Irish parliament.

The programme was inaugurated by Chalise, Ambassador of Nepal to UK & Ireland, which was followed by a Nepali cultural dance.
Dr. Chalise, on the occasion, delivered a key note speech about Nepal-Ireland relations and the salient features of various facets of Nepalese tourism. He described small geographical size of Nepal as a competitive advantage for European and North American tourists most of whom opt for short holidays. He remarked, “Since Nepal’s tourist destinations are well connected by air and roads, one could, within a short span of time, enjoy all facets of tourism including wildlife safari.” Ambassador Chalise insistently emphasized Nepal as a pristine destination proffering adventure, pleasure and recreational tourism and yet for all age groups.

Lord Mayor of Dublin City welcomed the ambassador and hoped the bilateral relations between Ireland and Nepal strengthens in the days to come through economic co-operations.

During his visit to Ireland, Ambassador Chalise also attended the National Day of Commemoration on Sunday hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Eamon Gilmore.