Government is removing VAT on air tickets

The government is working on removing the value added tax (VAT) on air tickets, according to the tourism minister.

Addressing the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter successfully concluded its 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) here today, the chief guest Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang committed to working towards removing VAT on air tickets and other unnecessary taxes in tourism to encourage and enhance the highly potential and rewarding tourism sector.

Shared the government’s target of attracting 1.6 million tourists in 2024 and inviting the private sector to introduce new and creative tourism products in international source markets to boost tourist influx Tamang also expressed his happiness at the unanimous election of the new executive committee of PATA Nepal Chapter, noting that such unity is rare among institutions and organisations in the country nowadays.

PATA Nepal Chapter successfully concluded its 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today at Park Village Resort under the theme 'Nepal Tourism 2.0: Charting the Future Course.'

The AGM also unanimously elected the new executive committee, with Khem Raj Lakai, chief executive of the Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE), as chairman. He succeeds Bibhuti Chand Thakur, who was elected chairman on December 18, 2019, and remains in the executive committee as the Immediate Past chairman.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by this opportunity," said Lakai after his appointment as chair of PATA Nepal Chapter. "It is with profound gratitude and a great sense of responsibility that I step into the role of chairman of PATA," he said, adding, "Being entrusted with the legacy of this esteemed institution is a privilege."

Lakai's association with PATA spans several years in different positions including as a board of trustee of the PATA Foundation, and PATA HQ elected Board member, including extensive service within the PATA Nepal Chapter.

PATA Nepal founding father the late Prabahakar SJB Rana, who brought this wonderful organisation to Nepal and continuously nurtured by amazing leaders of our industry has been honoured on the occasion.

Rana's vision of connecting Nepal to the world now rests on our shoulders, Lakai said, adding that unity is crucial for Nepal in all spectrum of professions. "Once united, we can transform the narrative of our beautiful nation and inspire the world."

Accordingly, the AGM also unanimously elected general secretary Narendra Dev Bhatta (managing director of Heritage Tours and Travel), treasurer Reetal Rana (managing director of Mid Valley International College), and executive members including Lakhpa Phuti Sherpa (founder of Luxury DMC Travel), Rupesh Joshi (director of Buddha Air), Binod Adhikari (director of Aarya village Travels), Sunil Bahadur Bhattrai (executive director of Busy Bee Cafe), Himmat Puri (director of Destinago Tours and Travel), Sarita Lama (managing director of Off The wall Trekking) and Tenzing Peyang  Lama (director of Hotel Lhasa International (Dusit Princess Kathmandu).

During the AGM, PATA Nepal Chapter also elected 4 proxy members to its executive committee including Smritee Kala Pant  (head of BHM/BHTM of Little Angels’ College of Management), Prakash Chandra Lohani (chairman of Alpine Rescue Service), Suman Ghimire (executive director of Jungle Safari lodge), and Imu Regmi (director of Basera Boutique Hotel). 

The executive committee also comprises of 4 Ex officio members including director general of Department of Tourism, director general of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, corporate director of Nepal Airlines, and representative of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

During the formal function and Annual Award Presentation Ceremony in the evening, PATA Nepal Chapter awarded Ambica Shrestha (president of Dwarika's Hotels and Resorts) and Shyam Bahadur Pandey (founder of Hotel Shangrila) with the prestigious 'PATA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024'.

The recognition honours their devoted years of exceptional voluntary service, leadership, significant contributions, and invaluable dedication to the association and the tourism and hospitality industry in Nepal, according to a press note issued by the PATA Nepal Chapter.

Likewise, Lakpa Sonam Sherpa (chairman of Yeti Group) has been rewarded with 'PATA Tourism Trailblazer Award 2024' for his exceptional leadership, pioneering initiatives, and outstanding contributions to promoting, expanding, and developing the tourism industry in Nepal.

Bharat Basnet (founder of Explore Nepal) has been bestowed with the 'PATA Personality of the Year 2024' Award for his unconditional support, persistent activism, advocacy, and commendable engagement towards the promotion and sustainable development of Nepal's tourism sector, as well as his invaluable contributions to the association over the years. 

Similarly, Narendra Deo Bhatta (founder of Heritage Tours and Travels) was honoured with the 'PATA Special Contribution Award 2024' for his unwavering commitment and remarkable contributions to Nepalese tourism, as well as his exceptional legal guidance and support to the association.

Likewise, The Premiere Hotel School, Itahari, received the 'PATA Best Student Chapter of the Year 2023' Award in recognition of their dedication and contributions in engaging with the initiatives and events of the PATA Nepal Chapter throughout 2023.

During the programme, Prof Dr Wolfgang Georg Arlt (founder of Meaningful Tourism Center) delivered the keynote speech on 'Nepal Tourism 2.0,' sharing the manifesto of outcomes from the Experts Roundtable Meet organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter yesterday (June 5).

On behalf of the Meaningful Tourism Center based in Germany, he presented the Meaningful Tourism Award (Gold) to the Community Homestay Network, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, and KGH Group of Hotels and Resorts.

Similarly, the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management received the Meaningful Tourism Award (Silver), while the Nepal Airlines Corporation and Hotel Himalaya received the Meaningful Tourism Award (Bronze).

The outgoing chairman Bibhuti Chand Thakur extended thanks to all the members and stakeholders of Nepal's tourism for the continued collaboration and support to the association; inviting and requesting all present to work together for sustainable growth and development of tourism in the country.

Nepal to celebrate 70 years of Mt Everest ascent

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary – for the first time – reached the top of the world on May 29, 1953. And it has been 70 years since the highest peak in the world Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) was scaled by humans.

Nepal is celebrating the seven decades of Sagarmatha ascent, in commemoration of the human feet on the top of the world. Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) confirmed that a platinum jubilee function celebration will be organised in a grand manner on May 29, 2023.

The government has formed a main organising committee under tourism secretary Suresh Adhikari. The committee includes representations from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), NMA, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).

According to NMA, the committee has started working with a calendar to make the platinum jubilee celebration a grand event. The guests from various countries will be invited, the NMA informed, adding that all Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) climbers from across the world are being invited. They will also be honoured during an event ‘Everest Summit.’ 

A special programme is being organised at Khumjung of Solukhumbu on May 29, according to former chair and chief advisor of NMA Ang Chhiring Sherpa. “The programme is scheduled to be attended by Tenjing Norgey's son Jamling Tenjing Sherpa and Hillary's son Peter Hillary,” he said, adding that a separate programme will also be held in Kathmandu, after concluding the formal programme at Khumjung. “There will also a record-keeping competition among the climbers, including Kami Rita Sherpa, who has scaled Mt Everest for 26 times.”

The platinum jubilee celebrations is expected to send a new message across the world and give Nepal much needed promotion to lure more trekkers as the event will be covered by the international media.

Nepal is home to eight highest peaks of over 8,000-meter. Some 7,000 national and foreign climbers have reached the top of the world till date.

Tourism promotion in New York

 The Consulate General of Nepal in New York hosted a tourism promotion event ‘Nepal-The Wonderland of Natural, Cultural and Spiritual Beauty’ in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association, New York Chapter in New York.

The programme, which coincided with the celebration week of 75th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-US diplomatic relations, provided an opportunity to the Consulate to work in collaboration with the professional tourism body to showcase the importance of tourism connectivity between Nepal and USA and promote Nepal's tourism in New York. 

According to a press note issued by the Nepali Embassy in New York, the programme gave a platform to showcase Nepal's tourism potential and major attractions.

In his inaugural remarks, the acting Consul General Bishnu Gautam, welcoming the invitees, highlighted the major tourism features and attractions of Nepal, recently added tourism infrastructure, facilities and new travel facilitation measures taken by Nepal. He appealed the guests and the airliners, travel and tour business community to visit Nepal and also to keep Nepal in their preferred travel destination.

Regional Director of US State Department of Office of Foreign Missions, Regional Office New York Jeannatte M Juricic joined the event in solidarity to promote Nepal-US ties and tourism connectivity, the Embassy informed.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, ambassador Amrit Bahadur Rai, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN in New York, shared Nepal's perspective on international tourism and the unique potentialities of Nepal to become an international tourism hub of adventure tourism, recreation, cultural and spiritual learning and yoga and meditation, among others. He urged the guests to visit Nepal as Nepal is back to normal for tourism and other business.

A video message from the chief executive officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) addressed the US friends, travel and tour business communities and travellers of the programme, was played at the programme. The message highlighted major touristic attractions of Nepal, Nepal's best response to tourists during Covid-19 pandemic and appealed the travellers to choose Nepal as their preferred destination.

President of Pacific Asia Travel Association New York Chapter Joebert Opulencia, on the occasion, highlighted travel and tourism potential in Asia-Pacific region and the need to work together for collective promotion of that region.

The event was held as a part of Consulate's efforts to convey a message that after pandemic Nepal is re-open for travel and tourism and Nepal is eager to welcoming US tourists in Nepal, the press note reads.

The guest speakers of the programme, many of them frequent travellers of Nepal, spoke prominently about their memorable experience in Nepal. A writer and a 14 times visitor of Nepal since 1974 and chief executive officer of Sir Edmund Hillary Medal Project Dr Seth Sicroff and British-American Mountaineer, Mt Everest Summiteer, and holder of Guinness World Record including on the first woman to reach earth's highest and deepest points on earth (Mt Everest and Challenger deep) Vanessa O' Brien shared their experience in Nepal, and what keeps them attracting to Nepal.

Other speakers Mt Everest Summiteer and president of US-Nepal Climbers Association Passang Nima Sherpa and president, NRN-New York Chapter Aang Tshiring Sherpa also shared their respective views, or solidarity with the Nepal's efforts to promote tourism.

Vice Consul of the Consulate Sangita Neupane made presentation on ‘Destination Nepal’, while director of Asian American Business Affairs at Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, and founder of Global Medical Tourism and Wellness Centre, Nepal Amit Pratap Shah made a brief presentation on opportunities on Medical Tourism and Wellness Yoga in Nepal. Similarly, Qatar Airlines and Turkish Airlines representatives also made presentations on their efforts to promote international tourism and connectivity between Nepal and the United States. Nepali artistes in New York also performed a Nepali cultural dance.

The programme was moderated by chief executive officer of TV Sunday and TV Journalist Kiran Marahatta. Officials from the Consulate General, PATA-New York Chapter Board Members, Travel and Tour Business community members and media persons were among the participants of the programme.

Quarantine hotels for passengers from India

The government has shortlisted eight hotels in the valley to accommodate passengers coming to Nepal from India.

As the government has halted operation of most international flights from midnight of May 6, it has allowed flights to and from India. The government has shortlisted eight hotels to quarantine passengers arriving from India, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA). "The air travellers from India will have to stay quarantined in the designated eight hotels only."

The ministry has shortlisted View Bhrikuti Hotel at Godavari, Madhav Hotel at Guheswari, Airport Hotel at Gaushala, Amadablam Hotel at Gaushala, Readers Inn at Gaushala, Ananda Ashram at Gaushala and A-One Resort at Jagati for hotel quarantine. The hotels have allocated between 10 and 91 rooms in their facility for the quarantine of the passengers.

According to the ministry, these hotels will transport passengers from the airport as well as provide food and accommodation at Rs 3000. "The hotels have been instructed to charge Rs 3,000 per person, including value added tax (VAT) and service charges," the ministry said, adding that Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in coordination with the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Air India, has been assigned the responsibility of collecting the details of the passengers and assisting in quarantine management of the passengers. "Passengers from India must stay in quarantine for 10 days."

If they're found to be not abiding by the rules, the hotels will have to report them to the police.

though, the government has stopped the international and domestic flights, there will be emergency flight as and when required.

NTB, NAC seal a deal to promote tourism

 Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) today signed an agreement to promote tourism.

According to the agreement, NTB and NAC will collaborate on various aspects to promote tourism industry. The agreement – formed under the concept of public-private partnership (PPP) with the objective of promoting Nepal as a major tourist destination in the international market – also ensures cooperation in various fields such as joint promotional work, introductory visits, branding of each other’s organisation and international level tourism related programmes to be organised in Nepal.

Both the stakeholders also claimed that the agreement will play an important role in promoting the tourism sector of the country in both the domestic and international sectors.

“In the midst of the current crisis created by the Covid-19 pandemic, this kind of cooperation will further strengthen the multi-faceted relationship between the two organisations,” chief executive officer (CEO) of NTB Dhananjay Regmi said after signing the agreement. “It will give us more energy and strength to fight against the crisis,” he said, adding that the agreement will prove to be a cornerstone for the effective promotion of Nepal at the international level. 

The agreement was signed by NTB chief executive officer Regmi and NAC general manager (GM) Deem Prasad Poudel.

Tourism industry is in most effected sector due to coronavirus pandemic. As the industry is in the phase of survival to overcome challenges created by the novel coronavirus, the agreement will contribute to the effort of both the organisations for survival, revival and sustainable development of the tourism industry, according to a press note issued by the board.

Government launches Tourism Recovery Task Force

 The government today launched Tourism Recovery Task Force (TRTF-Nepal) – along with the ‘visit the country’ campaign – to accelerate the coronavirus-hit tourism industry.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai – also marking the World Tourism Day – launched a domestic tourism promotion campaign #DeshDarshan on the occasion. A dedicated website www. trtfnepal.com also went live from today and series of thematic webinars and programmes are in line to support the recovery campaign, Bhattarai said, addressing the launch ceremony. He also appreciated the private sector for coming together to foster collaborative efforts towards tourism recovery and invited the task force to jointly work with the governments at local, provincial and federal levels. 

On the occasion, tourism secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari launched a training manual of the ‘Empowering Rural Destinations’ campaign, which is an initiative by TRTF-Nepal to train and build the capacity of rural destinations with new safety protocols, and food safety and hygiene for community health. “TRTF-Nepal is a joint initiative by PATA Nepal Chapter and SKAL Nepal, which has brought together industry veterans, professionals, and leading global tourism organisations as ‘advisors’,” the ministry informed, adding that the prominent tourism associations have been appointed ‘associational patrons’, the key agencies or organisations working in safety and security concerns of travellers are appointed as ‘health and safety patrons’ and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) as ‘industry patron’ to intensify the collective efforts for tourism recovery. 

Former chief executive officer of NTB Deepak R Joshi is the coordinator of the TRTF-Nepal, whereas treasurer and HCD-coordinator for PATA Nepal Chapter Khem Lakai will be the spokesperson. The secretariat of the task force will be handled by PATA Nepal chief executive officer Suresh Singh Budal.

TRTF-Nepal has conducted a survey on industry’s preparedness to restart tourism, prepared infographic communication materials about HHS protocols, collecting and compiling information about successful restarting practices adopted by other countries and destinations.

The task force is expected to coordinate for better collaboration and effective communication with key authorities and organisations, ensuring consistency of messaging with updates in source markets through various channels. 

Earlier, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) had formed a task force under the public private partnership (PPP) model to study the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. 

Tourism and aviation sector incurs Rs 34 billion loss

The tourism and aviation sector has incurred around Rs 34 billion during the period of lockdown, according to a report.
A committee including representatives from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) reported that the industry might have incurred an average of Rs 10 billion loss per month. “The loss is projected to swell by an extra Rs 7 billion as of July 22,” the committee formed by the government to study the loss incurred by the sector due to lockdown following Covid-19 outbreak.
The tourism and aviation sector has been hit hard by the global travel restriction, which has brought the tourism and aviation business to a halt.
The report has been handed over to National Planning Commission (NPC) by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) today. The government has set up a Rs 50 billion fund – according to the budget for the next fiscal year – for the Covid-19 affected tourism industry and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The fund will be set up for the sectors to provide loans at five per cent interest rate for both operation of industries and payment of salaries to the workers. The budget for the next fiscal year 2020-21 has allocated Rs 200 million to work on the rehabilitation programme and on the concept of sustainable tourism development.
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has also prepared and issued an ‘Operational Guideline with Health Protocol for Tourism Sector’ for the reopening of the tourism industry. They will need to implement workplace safety protocols, which could include providing masks, maintaining social distancing, physical workspace modifications, and screening and tracing protocols, according to the guideline.
Speaking at a press conference today, minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai said that the tourism businesses have to open with enough safety precautions. “We have issued the protocol for the tourism industry to make the businesses safe and reliable,” he said, adding that the protocol for the aviation sector is also ready. “The airlines operators along with airport operators will follow them when the service resumes.”
The government has extended the time for filing the VAT for hotels to four months, he said, adding that the ministry has also recommended a 75 per cent discount on aircraft parking fee and 50 per cent discount on acquiring license and license renewal fee.

Tourist arrivals plunges in January

Tourist arrivals in the first month of the 2020 – the year Nepal is observing as Visit Nepal Year 2020 (VNY2020) – has dropped by 2 per cent compared to January 2019.
According to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 79,686 tourists entered Nepal in January, down from 81,273 in the same month last year. “Of the total tourists, 65,983 flew into the country whereas remaining 13,703 entered the country through land routes," a press note issued by the board reads.
The government has inaugurated VNY2020 campaign amid much fanfare across the country on January 1 wishing to host 2 million tourist in the year. But January turned into an unfavourable month for the national campaign VNY2020 due to the recent incidents of tourist bus accident, avalanche in Annapurna region, death of Indian tourists and recent announcement of the Chinese government to halt outbound tourist groups, the board explained.
As China is the second largest market, the fall in the number of Chinese tourists is going to affect Nepali tourism industry, chief executive officer (CEO) of NTB Dhananjay Regmi said, adding that the board is postponing all its promotional activities in China for the short-term. “Instead, the board is preparing to add more activities for other countries.”
“Tourism is at the receiving end of coronavirus outbreak in China,” he said, adding that not only has Chinese tourists been affected, the fear of coronavirus has taken over its effect on tourists from India and Europe as well.
Though, Nepal is looking towards new another destinations including Japan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, among others, as well as in the Middle East, the coronavirus outbreak in Hubei province of China could impact global tourism industry too making the outlook for February also not promising.
“The outlook for February is also not satisfactory, according to the tourism entrepreneurs. “The number is declining in February,” they said, adding that the drop could be even harsh in the second month. “The arrival graph is going down mainly due to drop in tourist numbers from China.”
India, China, the US, Myanmar and Thailand are the top five markets for Nepal as Nepal received 16,882 and 13,303 visitors from India and China, respectively, while it welcomed 6,386 visitors from the US, 4,447 from Myanmar and 4,010 from Thailand in January.
According to the board, some 39.1 per cent of the total tourists that visited Nepal in January were from Asian countries – except SAARC – and 26.9 per cent were from SAARC countries, whereas some 13 per cent of the total visitors were from European countries and 9.2 per cent were from the US. “Some 4.1 per cent of the total tourist, who visited Nepal in January were from Oceania region,” the board added.

TAAN seeks revision of TIMS card pact with tourism board

Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) is seeking to revise the agreement signed with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) regarding distribution of Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card and managing the amount collected from issuing the TIMS cards.
Issuing a white paper today, TAAN said that NTB has not released its share of amount from issuance of TIMS card. “Thus, TAAN is ready to revise the agreement, if needed,” the white paper reads, adding that some 30 per cent of the amount collected from TIMS goes to TAAN’s organisational account, while 30 per cent goes towards NTB’s organisational account. “Likewise, 30 per cent of the amount goes to the joint account of NTB and TAAN, while the remaining 10 per cent is deposited in the workers’ welfare fund.”
“But TAAN has not received the agreed amount for the last five years,” the white paper reads, adding that it has affected tasks like helicopter, medicine, administration expenditure and salary for staff, research and promotion of new destinations. “And the amount that TAAN is seeking from NTB is related to its share of money collected in the joint account of the organisations.”
TIMS was jointly implemented by NTB and TAAN according to the direction of Nepal government from January 1, 2008 to ensure the safety and security of trekkers and also to control illegal trekking operations,” according to the TAAN. “Since then, TAAN has been issuing TIMS cards to group trekkers (GT), while NTB distributes it to free individual trekkers (FIT).”
According to the white paper, TAAN’s demand has not been addressed despite frequent discussions with the concerned authorities. “The TAAN has not received its due share of the amount collected in the joint account since the last five years,” the white paper reads, adding that it has also adversely affected the administration expenses and wages of staffers working at the TIMS collection centre, along with the work of introducing and promoting new trekking routes.
Due to the tug of war between the NTB and TAAN on income from TIMS card, TAAN has also been not able to renew the organisation since past years. It has not been renewed for the last two fiscal years – fiscal year 2018-19 and fiscal year 2019-20. TAAN was last renewed in fiscal year 2017-18. “The auditing of TAAN and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) is done collectively, showing TAAN's earning in millions according to the white paper.
AAN has been – citing the security issues of trekkers – demanding the government to stop distributing trekking permits to individual trekkers. It also showed concern over the country's inability to provide TIMS card through online system.
TAAN is working to provide 20 per cent off to foreign trekkers by its member companies on the occasion of Visit Nepal Year 2020, the white paper reads, adding that it will contribute in welcoming 800,000 tourists to the country during VNY 2020.

Visit Nepal year 2020 will be inaugurated in Dasharath stadium

The government is planning to inaugurate the Visit Nepal Year 2020 (VNY2020) formally on January 1 as the national festival.
The VNY2020 campaign – with the goal of hosting 2 million tourists in the country – will be inaugurated by the President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at the Dasharath stadium, where Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will also make a special address, confirmed Visit Nepal Year Secretariat.
“The chief ministers of all seven provinces will also be present on the occasion,” it informed, adding that the Visit Nepal Year will be inaugurated at the Nepali Embassy in foreign countries on January 7, while the Visit Nepal 2020 would be inaugurated through Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRN) in the countries, where there is no Nepali mission. “The government has invited tourism ministers and senior delegates of 31 countries on the inaugural ceremony.”
Media persons from some 40 countries – including India, China, Bangladesh, European countries – are also attending the Visit Nepal Year inauguration programme, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation.
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), which is responsible for managing the visit of the journalists, is also planning some fam trips for the foreign media personals.
According to Visit Nepal Year 2020 National Programme Coordinator Suraj Baidya, the Visit Nepal Year inauguration programme will be another big international level programme to be organised in the country after the 13th South Asian Games, which concluded recently. “The secretariat has made all preparations for that purpose,” Baidya said, adding that the final preparations have been completed for the Visit Nepal Year 2020 inauguration. “The government will spend Rs 20 million for the inaugural programme.”
The government has recently approved Rs 617.4 million budget for the Visit Nepal Year campaign.

PATA Nepal elects new executive committee

The 43rd annual general meeting (AGM) of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter has unanimously elected its new executive committee.
The AGM – with the theme ‘Design Thinking: Creating Lifetime Experiences in Nepal’ – appointed chair of Himalayan Holidays Treks and Tours Bibhuti Chand Thakur as the chairperson of the executive committee, according to a press note issued by PATA Nepal chapter. Thakur succeeds Sunil Sakya, who was elected the chair on December 13, 2017. Sakya will remain in the executive committee as the immediate past chairman.
The annual general meeting elected chief executive officer of Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi as the first vice-chairperson, commercial director at the Nepal Airlines Tanka Nidhi Dahal as the second vice-chairperson, chairperson at the Royal Mountain Travel-Nepal Pvt Ltd Shiva Prasad Dhakal as the general secretary, and chief executive officer at the Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education Khem Raj Lakai as the treasurer, the press note reads, adding that the executive committee comprises four ex officio members including  director general at the Department of Tourism Dandu Raj Ghimire, deputy director at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Rajan Pokharel, corporate director at the Nepal Airlines Krishna Gopal Joshi, and brand manager at the NTB Shradha Shrestha. “Managing director at the Heritage Tours and Travels Narendra Deo Bhatta, managing director at the Mid Valley Int’l College Reetal Rana, general manager at the Turkish Airlines Abdullah Tuncer Kececi, managing director at the Himalaya Kailash Travels and Tours Tashi Gurung, marketing chief at the Summit Air Manjani Shrestha, managing director at the Nepal Vacation Tika Ram Sapkota and managing director at the Hiking Adventure Treks Pvt Ltd Ram Kumar Barakoti are also elected executive committee members.”
Thakur – after being appointed as chair – said that being elected the chairperson is an honour. “PATA Nepal will continue to work in the spirit of PATA headquarters and is also committed to working closely with the government, Ministry of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board,” he said, adding that he will reach out to work closely with all the tourism-related associations and private sectors.
During the annual general meeting, PATA Nepal chapter also elected six proxy members to its executive committee including founder at the Luxury DMC Travels Lakpa Phuti Sherpa, CEO at the Premier Hotel School Sunil Kumar Bhusal, CEO at the Going Nepal Lila Dhar Bhandari, president at the SDU Travels Sanjay Bhakta Mathema, MD at the Nepal Kaze Travels Prithbi Shrestha, and MD at the Himalayan Smile Treks and Adventures Kul Prasad Subedi.
Addressing the annual general meeting, CEO at the PATA headquarters Mario Hardy congratulated PATA Nepal for its active engagement in the country, while keynote speaker chief Hothead at the HotHead Innovations Stu Lloyd highlighted the ‘Design Thinking’ approaches to be adopted by travel and tourism industry professionals of public and private sectors to welcome visitors with the best possible products and services that Nepal can offer to create lifetime experiences for all their guests.
On the occasion, the National Programme Coordinator of Visit Nepal 2020 Suraj Vaidya congratulated the newly elected executive committee and extended his gratitude to PATA for the continued collaboration and partnership with VNY 2020 campaign.
Likewise, PATA Personality of the Year 2019 Award was presented to executive chairman of Everest Express Tours and Travels Rabindra Raj Pandey, on the occasion. The Best Student Chapter of the Year 2019 was awarded to Mid Valley International College, and PATA Nepal also handed out the letter of appreciation to two individuals; Mina Khadka, who just retired from PATA Nepal Secretariat after 23 years of service and Nisha Bhote, a member at PATA Nepal, Student Chapter, who successfully reached the summit of Mt Everest.

Nestlé India launches Project ‘Serve Safe Food’ in Nepal

Nestlé India has launched Project Serve Safe Food in Nepal in partnership with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI). Approximately 500 street food vendors will be trained under the projecton food safety and hygiene in Nepal, according to the company. “The project was first piloted in 2016 in India, where over a period of 4 years, some 20,000 street food vendors were trained across 17 locations.”
Project Serve Safe Food focuses on educating and training street food vendors on health, hygiene, safe food handling, waste disposal, and entrepreneurship. These trainings will equip the street food vendors to undertake measures such as usage of disposable gloves and personal hygiene that prevent the spread of foodborne diseases, the company claims.
“Eating clean, safe and healthy food is of utmost importance for people,” director general at the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control Dr Matina JoshiVaidhya said speaking on the occasion. “Our street food vendors play a very crucial role in safe delivery of food to consumers,” he said, adding that therefore empowering the street food vendors with knowledge and skills will go a long way in our commitment towards food safety.
“Nepal is a popular tourist destination and street food vending is an important source of employment for the local population,” chief executive officer at the NTB said, on the occasion. “The initiative undertaken by Nestlé India for upskilling street food vendors becomes very important in the wake of Visit Nepal 2020, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for promoting tourism in the region,” he said, adding that he is sure that Project Serve Safe Food will aid in developing and strengthening the food safety infrastructure in Nepal.
“Skilling our street food vendor is an important initiative that we will be undertaking in Nepal,” senior director at the board Hikmat Singh said, adding that it will enable the street food vendors to learn about food safety and hygiene. “We are excited about Nestlé India, launching project serve safe food in Nepal.”
“In line with Nestlé's purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future, we are delighted to launch Project Serve Safe Food in Nepal in collaboration with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, Nepal Tourism Board and NASVI,” director of the Corporate Affairs at Nestlé India Sanjay Khajuria said, adding that the company has seen that the training programmes have brought about positivebehavior change and encouraged our street food vendors to take food safety and food hygieneseriously. “Clean and safe food brings in more customers, improves the livelihood of the vendors, which in turn helps build confidence of the vendors in their business.”
“Increasing awareness about safe, healthy and hygienic food is of paramount importance,” head of Street Food Programme at NASVI Sangeeta Singh said, adding that they have developed training materials, which will equip the street food vendors to improve food safety. “We are excited about our partnership with all the stakeholders to meet this important objective.”

Bhaktapur to start ‘night heritage walk’

Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee – in association with Visit Nepal Year 2020 (VNY2020) secretariat – has taken a new initiative to start ‘night heritage walk’ beginning from Thursday evening to promote the historic city of Bhaktapur and its heritage sites for the Visit Nepal 2020.
The night-walk is the first of the initiatives – by the tourism development committee – in anticipation of the tourism year starting in a few weeks. The government is expecting to welcome some two million tourists in the Visit Nepal Year 2020. “We have chosen Bhaktapur for the new move because there are many new and unique things to offer the tourists during night time,” according to chief executive officer (CEO) at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Deepak Raj Joshi. “Gradually, we will be launching the programme in Lalitpur and Kathmandu as well because all of them are historic and cultural cities.”
The committee has – for the night-walk – especially hired 10 city tour operators, who will be informing the visitors regarding the lifestyles of people and their cultural processions. The city hosts various cultural activities during the night time to lure tourists. “This is going to be a new practice in the tourism sector to attract more tourists,” he added.
Welcoming the drive, the Mayor of Bhaktapur municipality Sunil Prajapati termed it a milestone to promote the historic city of Nepal. “The municipality is working to install street lamps in all the alleys,” he said, adding that they are almost in the last phase of laying stones in each and every alley to make the tourists walk a joy and easy.
Officials at the committee also claimed that the night heritage walk will help tourists understand the lifestyle and activities of local Newar communities.
Bhaktapur – also known as the ‘city of devotees’ – is located in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, which is half an hour ride from Kathmandu Durbar Square. A stronghold of the Newar community, Bhaktapur also has Durbar Square, like in the other city in the Valley, Lalitpur.
Bhaktapur is also one among the seven most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Valley. The city – among the three cities in the Valley – is famous for traditional arts, architecture, wooden craftworks, pottery, culture as well as stone-carved temples dating back to the Malla era.

TAAN to introduce new trekking routes to promote VNY2020

Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) is preparing to introduce new trekking routes next month.
It is in the final phase of introducing new routes, claimed TAAN, which is conducting studies of five new trekking routes outside Kathmandu valley. “TAAN is planning to introduce new trekking routes with an aim to make the Visit Neal Year (VNY) 2020 campaign successful,” it adds. “The new routes will include places close to Annapurna region that have been neglected despite having the potential of good trekking routes for adventure-seeking tourists.”
The members of TAAN will also provide special discount packages on the new routes during VNY 2020. “The trekking agencies will provide 20 per cent to 30 per cent discount on trekking packages for trekkers booking trekking packages to new destinations,” it said, adding that the TAAN members will also provide 15 per cent discount to both foreign and domestic tourists on regular trekking packages.
According to the TAAN secretariat, around 40 per cent of tourists travelling to Nepal visit the country for trekking and a majority of them are from China and Japan. TAAN has also set a target to encourage 70 per cent of total tourists travelling to Nepal to go trekking in 2020. “Last year, TAAN had issued trekking permits to around 76,700 group trekkers, while Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) had issued trekking permits to a total of 20,685 individual trekkers.”

October sees 10 per cent growth in tourist arrival

Fuelled with strong Chinese arrivals, a total tourist arrivals increased by 10 per cent in October compared to the same month last year.
“A total of 143,870 tourists arrived in the country in October, whereas the number stood at 130,745 last year,” according to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). “A total of 975,557 visitors arrived in Nepal in the first ten months of 2019,” it informed, adding that of which, some 123,267 visitors entered the country by air and 155,058 came overland.
Likewise, Chinese tourists have the biggest share occupying 10.45 per cent of the total arrival followed by Indian with 8.83 per cent share. The tourist arrival from India increased by 9.1 per cent and reached 12,707 compared to the figures of last October. But the number of tourists from South Korea decreased by 20.1 per cent during the review month as only 3,032 South Koreans visited Nepal compared to a total 3,793 last October.
Likewise, some 2,786 tourists from Bangladesh visited Nepal in October, which is 58.6 per cent more than the arrivals last year. The overall arrivals from SAARC countries recorded a growth of 7 per cent in October in comparison to last October. “A total of 169,952 Indians and 19,279 Bangladeshi nationals visited Nepal in the first ten months of 2019,” the board press note reads, adding that the total arrival of Chinese tourists stood at 134,281 in the first ten months. “Some 122,986 Chinese visited Nepal in the 10 months of last year.”
A total of 21,720 visitors from SAARC countries and 28,789 from Asia visited in the 10 months of the 2019. “Likewise, the European arrivals also surged with sustained growths from the key markets with 42,297 total arrivals in October,” it informed, adding that arrivals from the United Kingdom, Germany and France in October 2019 were 8,672, 7,308, and 6,777 respectively. “Total European visitors in first ten months of 2019 reached 199,003.”
Similarly, the total number of American visitors to Nepal in October stood at 12,109, whereas a total US arrival reached 77,798 – an increase by 5 per cent compared to the figures of last year – in first ten months from January to October of 2019. “The numbers of Australian and Canadian visitors to Nepal in October were 5,625 and 2,624, respectively.”
Nepal has been carrying out promotional activities for the Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign aiming at hosting 2 million guests. But the two-day state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Kathmandu in October has lifted the hopes of the tourism industry which expect a surge of Chinese tourist arrivals to Nepal in the days ahead. Foreign tourist arrivals in Nepal crossed the 1 million mark in 2018 for the first time with 1.17 million tourists streaming into the country.

Nepal, Bangladesh talk hydropower development, trade facilitation

Bangladesh has expressed willingness to invest in 20 hydropower projects in Nepal.
During the fourth meeting of the Nepal-Bangladesh Technical Committee for promotion of trade – held in Kathmandu today – both the countries are also positive on simplifying existing issues related to tariff and non-tariff barriers (NTB). Likewise, Nepal has asked Bangladesh to allow the export of local cardamom, yarn and broom grass (amriso) without facing any hurdles to be sold in Bangladesh. “Likewise, Nepal also put forth providing easy access to Nepali agricultural products including fruits to trade in the Bangladeshi market,” according to an official, who took part in the meeting.
“Apart from the trade issues, Bangladeshi officials also shown keen interest in investing in hydropower projects in Nepal,” according to the official.
The power-hungry Bangladesh has been consistently showing interest to invest in Nepal’s energy projects but Nepal has not been able to provide a project despite rounds of talks. However, both the countries agreed to trade power through India's transmission network, in a recently held secretary-level meeting between energy officials in Dhaka. Four months after the secretary-level meeting between Nepali and Bangladeshi energy officials, who agreed to trade power through India's transmission network, the three countries – Nepal, India and Bangladesh – are also holding talks on using the Indian grid to transfer electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh.
The seventh Joint Steering Committee meeting on Nepal-India Cooperation, which concluded last week has decided to hold a tripartite meeting within three months to move forward.
The two countries – during the meeting that is led by joint secretary at the Navaraj Dhakal and joint secretary at the Bangladeshi Ministry of Commerce Sharifa Khan – also discussed easing the movement of passenger vehicles across the borders, operation of direct bus service from Kathmandu to Dhaka as well as cargo supplies between the two SAARC nations. Bangladesh is also positive on providing easy access to Nepali cargo vehicles in the seaport of Bangladesh for third-country trade.
They also discussed ‘air route’ in order to operate air service to Bangladesh from the eastern part of Nepal, though the bilateral trade talks mainly focused on materialising the five memorandam of understanding (MoU) – including the trading of farm products and food items – signed between the two countries earlier, apart from extensive discuss on ways to reduce Nepal’s trade deficit with Bangladesh.
Moreover, trilateral transit agreement between Nepal, Bangladesh and India, harmonisation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade measures between competent authorities of Nepal and Bangladesh were also on the agenda.

TAAN suggests policy reforms

Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has requested the government to reform policy to promote the tourism sector.
A delegation TAAN – while meeting with minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai at his office today – suggested immediate policy reform in the tourism sector.
The delegation led by TAAN president Khum Bahadur Subedi also handed over a memo to the minister.
President Subedi drew the attention of the minister to two foreign trekkers, who have gone missing in Rasuwa for the last 10 days and also requested for effective implementation of TIMS in all trekking areas. He urged to make trekking guide and porter mandatory for all trekkers and use government registered trekking company.
Similarly, TAAN general secretary Sarita Lama read out the suggestions provided by TAAN and asked the minister to advise Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to issue TIMS card online. She further requested to implement Group TIMS effectively and abolish Individual (FIT) TIMS card as well as the practice of collecting Rs 1,500 collected by Sagarmatha National Park from guides.
The delegation strongly appealed with the minister to impose 5 per cent Tax on trekking and mountaineering sector, annul the VAT levied against the use of porter, mule and yak services and halt Kathmandu–Lukla flights completely in order to promote flight on Ramechhap–Lukla sector.
Minister Bhattrai, on the occasion, congratulating the newly elected executive committee of TAAN said that safety of tourist is the government’s utmost responsibility so taking a guide or a porter while trekking is essential to ensuring security of tourist. In order to resolve the problems faced by trekking entrepreneurs, minister Bhattarai assured to organise a joint meeting with the Tourism Ministry, Ministry of Forests and Environment, Department of Tourism, Inland Revenue Department, Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA.
The TAAN delegation comprised of senior vice-president Nabin Trital, general secretary Sarita Lama, secretary Damodar Dhakal, joint treasurer Surya Kumar Shrestha, executive members Simbir Ghale, Sanam Sherpa and Prem Bahadur Lama.

Tourist arrivals surge by 9 per cent

Foreign tourist arrivals to Nepal rose by 9 per cent to 742,600 in the first eight months of this year, according to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
Some 619,765 visitors came by air, whereas some 122,835 came overland, a press note issued by the NTB reads, adding that tourist arrivals from India increased by 6.1 per cent to 142,286 from January to August. “The overall arrivals from SAARC countries registered a growth of 6.2 per cent to 204,192 in the first eight months.”
But the arrivals from China seconds India in the chart. “Some 106,050 Chinese tourists – up by 9.8 per cent – visited Nepal in the first eight months. Likewise, visitors from Thailand and Japan have also increased significantly by 38.9 per cent and 12.8 per cent, respectively compared to the same period last year, the press note reads, adding that arrivals from Europe surged with 136,198 total arrivals. “Visitors from the UK, Germany and France were 36,972, 20,362 and 16,324, respectively.”
The total number of US visitors to Nepal has been recorded at 58,621 – an increase of 6 per cent over last year – whereas the number of Australian visitors increased by 8.1 per cent to 20,819.

Nepal to host NICE tourism fair in February

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter in collaboration with Visit Nepal Year 2020 and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is organising the historical and first-of-its-kind Nepal India China Expo (NICE) in February 2020.
NICE is the first tri-nation tourism expo that will bring together tourism and hospitality stakeholders and organisations from public and private sectors of the three neighboring countries including Nepal, India and China, the chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter Sunil Shakya said at a press conference today.
“It will bring three countries on a single platform by facilitating with unparalleled networking and business opportunities, industry insights and inspiration,” he said, adding that the first of its kind event is expecting 1,000 plus delegates from three countries including 200 plus regional buyers, 100 exhibitors, 15 plus high-value speakers and hundreds of guests and delegates including government officials, trade visitors. “Nepal has not been able to tap the prospective tourists’ influx from these two important market nations.”
“We believe that NICE will play an instrumental role in strengthening the tourism ties between the three countries adding significant value in support of the target set by the government with the Visit Nepal Year 2020,” he added.
The organisers will be collaborating with different tourism organizations and stakeholders in Nepal, India and China. PATA has sought cooperation and support from sponsors, airlines, hotels, media and the travel-trade fraternity of Nepal. The event will take place from February 21 to 24, 2020 in Kathmandu.
Nepal is rightly and geopolitically placed between the two giant economies and can contribute hugely in bridging tourism development potentials of these countries which, have arranged bilateral trade but, have never organised a tri-nation’s event, according to PATA Nepal Chapter.
China and India are two of the largest outbound source markets in the world with Nepal as one of its immediate recipient nation. According to 2018 statistics, approximately 150 million Chinese traveled abroad, out of which only 0.1 per cent visited Nepal while only 0.75 per cent Indian tourists visited Nepal out of 25.85 million Indian outbound, the PATA data revealed.

One-day training for guides concludes

Korea Tours and Trekking Operator Association Nepal (KTTOAN) organised a-one-day training on Korean etiquette, high-altitude sickness, first-aid and rescue for guides and assistant guides here today.
Organised with the support of the South Korean Embassy in Kathmandu, the training was jointly inaugurated by ambassador of South Korea to Nepal Park Young-sik, chief executive officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Deepak Raj Joshi and KTTOAN president Amar Bahadur Shahi.
Altogether, 55 participants from different travel trekking companies benefitted from the training programme, according to a press release issued by the South Korean embassy in Kathmandu.
Addressing the inauguration, Korean envoy Park said that the number of Korean tourists visiting Nepal will exceed 37,000 this year. Hoping that the training will help ensure the safety of tourists, he said that Nepal is mostly known for its Himalayas and mountains in Korea. “Because of this perception, Korean visitors come here mainly for trekking.”
But accommodation facilities and food should be upgraded to attract more Korean tourists,” he added, asking to promote Lumbini in South Korea. “Lumbini could be yet another attraction and major tourist destination among Korean tourists.”
On the occasion, Joshi said that NTB is always ready to work together with KTTOAN for tourism promotion, as Korea is a major market for Nepal. Requesting the South Korean government to extend support to Nepal for tourism promotion in Korea for making the upcoming Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign a success, he said that more tourists from South Korea will visit Nepal in the days to come.
Welcoming the guests, Shahi hoped that the training will minimise the risk of casualties and ensure safe travel.
Calling on NTB to join hands with KTTOAN for organising tourism promotion programmes in South Korea for better performance and results, he said that the number of South Korean tourists visiting Nepal has been increasing considerably over the past five years.