Foreign airlines to promote Nepali tourism

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, has new plans to promote Nepali tourism.
"We are holding talks with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on how Etihad can support in promoting Nepali tourism," said Joost den Hartog, Etihad Airways' regional general manager for the Indian sub-continent, central and north Asia.
"The airlines is working for better connectivity between Nepal and the outer world so that more tourists can visit Nepal," he said adding that the airlines has been helping Nepali tourism grow by connecting Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi and beyond with the rest of the world.
Apart from that, Etihad Airways that started flying to Kathmandu since last year is selling a package of mountain flights to see Mt Everest and other Himalayan ranges in association with a Nepali private airliner -- Yeti Airlines. "From February, we are offering Etihad's frequent flyers a mountain flight that will definitely promote Nepal's tourism in Europe, where we are planning to sell this package," said Hartog, who believes that pricing -- considered a key factor for passengers -- depends on better connectivity.
Best products and better service has kept the airlines ahead of all others that fly to Kathmandu, he opined. "We have secured all market segments as we cater to the needs of every stratum," said Hartog.
Hartog, who has strong cross-culture experience in the airlines sector, also promised to bring more tourists to Nepal despite the recession as Nepal is still affordable. "Etihad will bring more inbound trourists as we have better connectivity," he said.
The Abu Dhabi-based airlines served more than six million passengers last year, alongwith 90,000 Nepalis living in the UAE and the Middle East.
Etihad's Kathmandu operations -- the 11th network in the Indian sub-continent -- are extremely popular among travellers flying to key destinations such as London, New York, Frankfurt, Doha, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
"During the first year, the airlines performed strongly with average seat factors of more than 89 per cent," he said, terming Etihad's operation in Nepal successful one.
Hartog said that despite the present economic gloom that has hit global air travel, the airlines was growing -- internationally and in the Nepali context as well. "Our market share has not decreased despite the recession. Rather, it's growing," he said.
Etihad Airways -- that serves Nepali workers working in the Middle East and inbound and outbound tourists of Nepal -- has been operating four flights a week by a two cabin Airbus A330-200 configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 business class and 240 economy class seats. The leading Middle East airliner has been operating in 50 destinations through 43 planes.