South Korea, with approximately 25000 visitors per year to Nepal, remains a source market of utmost significance to Nepal. Therefore, in conjunction with the 2016 edition of KOFTA travel fair (June 9 to 12), Nepal Tourism Board, in cooperation with Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Western Regional Chapter Pokhara, organized a promotional program in Seoul on June 13th, which was participated in by local media personnel and travel trade – altogether 80. The program was organized with a view to enhance Nepal’s destination image amongst the South Korean Travelling population, and also to enhance business networking. Therefore it featured two key activities – media briefing and a B2B session.
Charge De Affairs of the Nepalese Embassy in Seoul Mr. Kiran Shakya, in his welcome address, shed light on the status of Nepal-Korea cooperation and thanked the Korean government for constant support and cooperation to Nepal’s development process. “A country of diverse natural and cultural attractions, Nepal offers exciting experiences for different type of travelers,” he said. Mr. Dil Gautam, president of NATTA Western Regional Association Pokhara, shared about the objectives of the program and also reassured the Korean travel trade of safety, security and hassle free experiences in Pokhara and periphery. Mr. Chiranjibi Khanal, Joint Secretary, Government of Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board executive committee member, apprised the gathering of Nepal’s destination promotion programs in South Korea; and also passed assurance of more focus and activities in the coming days. Nepal Tourism Board representative Mr. Udaya Bhattarai, showcased Nepal’s tourist resources and post 25/04 earthquake scenario vis a vis tourism resources and services, through a presentation entitled “Nepal : Back on the Top of the World.” Mr. Shin Joong-Mok, Chairman, KOTFA 2016 and a prominent personality in South Korean Tourism, not only expressed joy on being a part of the Nepal event, but also assured Nepal of constant support and cooperation from the Korean tourism fraternity. “I retain a lifelong desire to go stay in Nepal when I retire – farming coffee in the remote beautiful hills,” he said enthusiastically.
The delegation received enthusiastic queries from the local media with respect to the status of post earthquake recovery, air connectivity from Korea, the nature, scope and structure of Nepal’s destination promotion programs in South Korea and designing promotion based on product portfolio matching the interests of Korean travelers.
Mr. K.P. Sitoula, Honorary PRR of Nepal Tourism Board in South Korea, thanked all for their presence, patience, engagement and inputs and also stressed on the importance of visits to Nepal right now and said it would be the best for m of support to Nepal’s post earthquake recovery. Mr. Yang Keol Seok was the lucky winner of the NATTA-Pokhara sponsored draw featuring a 7 Days 6 nights full board package of Pokhara and periphery. Likewise, through the platform of B2B, the Nepalese delegates also explored business prospects with the participating Korean counterparts. Source: Press Release from Nepal Tourism Board