Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation had selected some new sites across the country to develop the physical infrastructure of the destinations and to promote tourism. The Ministry of Tourism had allocated a certain budget for the development and promotion of these new destinations. As a part of this project and one of the destinations selected by the Government for the promotion of Mundum Trail in Eastern Nepal, a 10-day long FAM Trip was organized by Temkemaiyung Municipality, Province No.1 starting from 16th April 2021. The newly explored off-the-beaten trail in eastern Nepal comprises natural beauty, rich bio-diversity, Kirati-Rai civilization, culture, lifestyles, and wide-ranging landscape view of Himalayan, mid-hill and Terai regions. In Mundum Trail, tourists can enjoy the vistas of snow-capped mountain chains and eye-catching pastures and beautiful terrains on the sides. The route started from Kathmandu-PanchdhareTawabhanjyang-Temke Dada- ChakhewaBhanjyang- DalsingheMerung- Jaljale- Haanspokhari- Ghodetar- Tarakhaseko- Thampokhari- Hekule- Juke- Lairey- Read More
A Proposal Committee Meeting was held with Committee members from different sectors formed by FNCCI on 22nd April at the office of FNCCI, Teku. Representing the travel association, NATTA Senior VP Mr. Binay Basnet participated in the meeting. The objective of the meeting was to address those raised necessities from their respected sector in the upcoming budget for the FY 2078/79. The addressed demands shall be taken forward to the Government by FNCCI. The Proposal Committee was formed as per the decision of the 55th AGM of FNCCI held at the end of April 2021.
NATTA along with tourism associations TAAN, HAN, NMA, NARA, NTVA and TBAN submitted an appeal to Hon'ble Minister for Finance, Mr. Bishnu Prasad Paudel on 15th April 2021 addressing the current financial complications faced by tourism entrepreneurs. In the letter, tourism associations requested to extend the tourism license renewal date to at least until the end of the fiscal year i.e. 2078 Ashad month and also consider the tourism companies who have failed to renew their license in the given period. Also, it is requested to waive off the fines and yearly tax to be paid by tourist operating vehicles as it hasn’t been in use since the time of the pandemic. The impact of the COVID situation has led to adverse effects in the tourism industry, therefore in such a situation NATTA along with tourism associations has been lobbying with every level of governments and concerned sectors since the Read More
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on 12th April 2021 organized an Interaction Session with tourism stakeholders on the steps to be taken for the revival and promotion of tourism and future policies. On the session, Hon'ble Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Bhanubhakta Dhakal informed stakeholders about his discussion with the Prime Minister to manage the budget for the revival of tourism despite many limitations in the budget formulation. During the interaction, a member of the National Planning Commission Dr. Rameshwor Phuyal urged the private sector to focus on human resource development along with infrastructure development. Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Yadav Prasad Koirala, assured that the ministry would make every effort for the necessary budget for the revival and promotion of tourism in the coming budget. CEO of NTB, Dr. Dhananjay Regmi said that inter-agency coordination and budget is needed from policy reforms to make tourism Read More
AGM of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry The 55th Annual General Meeting of Federal of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI) was held for 2 days at Soaltee Crowne Plaza on April 10th- 11th, 2021 inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Hon'ble Prime Minister also unveiled the vision paper named National Economic Transformation 2030 prepared by FNCCI. Also, the Member Associations contributing to the trade were awarded from different Provinces and Sectors on the occasion. Past Presidents and Executives of FNCCI, Government Officials, Members of the association, Media Personnel were present in the 2 day long event. A Panel discussion was organized after the inauguration with the presence of Government officials and FNCCI Executives discussing especially the Economic Transformation and the accessibilities on the Labor, Employment and Social Security. On the close session, representing NATTA and the tourism sector, President, Mr. Achyut Guragain speaking Read More
The first edition of ITB India started on the 7th of April 2021 being an all virtual three-day event due to COVID restrictions. It was a virtual business-to-business travel and tourism trade show platform for India and South Asia. Organized by Messe Berlin Singapore, it had been a platform to meet the influential organizations in the international from MICE, Corporate, Leisure and Travel Technologies sectors of the Indian and South Asian travel and tourism industry in building strong partnerships and strengthen existing bonds. Participating in the event, NATTA President Mr. Achyut Guragain shared his insight on the observations on what has changed in the travel landscape, what they expect from travel suppliers and how ultimately the industry can work together to bring travel back in of the Speaking sessions.
After the official formation of NATTA Province No. 2 in Bardibas, the first meeting together with newly formed executives of Province No.2 and Central Executives at NATTA Secretariat on 4th April 2021. Also present in the meeting were the CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, Dr. Dhananjay Regmi and delegates from the Hotel and Tourism Entrepreneur Association. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of NATTA Central President Mr. Achyut Guragain and had the presence of IPP, Senior Vice President, Vice President, Secretary General, Treasurer and Joint Treasurer. President Mr. Guragain firstly welcomed all the delegations present in the meeting. Mr. Guragain then highlighted the infrastructure development and promotion of the different potential destinations of Province No. 2. The meeting focused on potential tourism aspects of Province 2 and how it can further be promoted with various programs. The Provincial President Mr. Mohan Sharma requested NTB and NATTA Central to Read More
As a historical step, NATTA has formed its offices in Province No. 6 as NATTA Karnali Province in the city of Surkhet, Karnali on 8th February 2021 and Province No. 2 in Bardibas on 1st April 2021 simultaneously. On the 1st of April, under the leadership of Mr. Mohan Sharma Lamichhane, NATTA Province no. 2 has been formed with a team of 9 Executive Members. The formation program had been organized with the presence of Bardibas Municipality Chief Mr. Bidur Karki, President of NATTA Central Mr. Achyut Guragain, Senior Vice President Mr. Binay Basnet, Secretary Mr. Sudhir Kumar Upadhyay. Treasurer Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of Gandaki Province Mr. Sanjaya Kanta Sigdel and many officials of Province No. 2. Likewise on 8th February, in the presence of Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain, President of NATTA Central, NATTA Karnali Province was formed. The province had been formed in the support of the Read More
The 48th Anniversary of the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NATHM) was held on 26th March 2021 on the premises of the academy. NATTA Senior Vice President Mr. Binay Basnet and Secretary General Mr. Sudhir Kr. Upadhyay participated in the function to congratulate the team on the successful years of excellence in the tourism sector.
SATTE, a three-day expo from 24th – 26th March 2021 was held at the India Expo Center, Greater Noida, Delhi, India. Different stakeholders of the tourism industry from different countries had participated in this event as it is expected to offer a widespread platform to both domestic and international buyers and sellers for travel and tourism. NATTA also had its participation in the coveted event led by President, Mr. Achyut Guragain including Secretary Ms. Jiswan Shrestha and Joint Treasurer Ms. Yubika Bhandari as a Buyer. Nepal Tourism Board had participated in SATTE with a delegation of 25 companies from the private sector tourism industry of Nepal representing Nepal having a stall led by Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, Chief Executive Officer, NTB. This is the first promotional event of the year after COVID-19. SATTE, South Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is an exhibition designed to bring together the key travel industry leaders Read More
Together with tourism associations, a letter was submitted to the Chief Minister and Minister of Industry, Tourism, Forest & Environment of Bagmati Province, Mr. Dormani Poudel at Hetauda mentioning to extend the deadline for renewing the license to operate their agencies. In the letter, it was requested that the deadline must be extended for at least six months and no penalty should be levied for the late renewal. Since agencies have been facing major financial issues due to the coronavirus as the business has been affected for months. In such a dire situation, the agencies are not able to renew their license. It is indeed good news that on the conversation with the delegation, Minister Mr. Poudel assured to extend the date until the end of the Fiscal year 2077/78. The delegation led by TAAN President Mr. Khum Subedi had the presence of all the tourism associations. NATTA was represented Read More
As part of the National Project, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) had appointed M/s CG-INFRATA-BDA Joint Venture in association with Joshi Associates to prepare an updated Master Plan of Nijgadh International Airport at Bara District of Nepal. In this regard, executives from this project visited NATTA Secretariat to have suggestions and feedback for their records and further action on 21st March 2021. President Mr. Achyut Guragain met with the team and shared the concepts and the advantages of having the largest international airport at Province No. 2 and the infrastructure and connectivity between Nepal and the rest of the world as an international hub airport including transit facilities.
The Gandaki Province of NATTA organized its 26th AGM on 20th March 2021 at Mountain Glory Forest Resort and Spa, Pokhara. As a Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister of Forest and Tourism, Mr. Bikash Lamsal graced the inauguration of the event. At the AGM there had been an interaction to focus on the solutions to revive the tourism activities and business activities and also to expand the Nepalese tourism. Later in the afternoon, members of NATTA Gandaki Province and Executives discussed the issues raised in the Annual Report of Secretary General and Annual Fiscal Report presented by Treasurer and finally passed by the meeting. NATTA President Mr. Achyut Guragain accompanied by IP President Mr. CN Pandey, Senior Vice President Mr. Binay Basnet, Vice President Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Secretary General Mr. Sudhir Kumar Upadhayay, Treasurer Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya and Executive Member Mr. Hari Kumar Shrestha of NATTA Central committee participated in Read More
Nepal enforced new travel rules removing the quarantine requirements for foreign tourists who have got both doses of Covid-19 vaccine, in an attempt to give a boost to pandemic-depressed travel and tourism business. According to new travel protocols of the Tourism Ministry on March 18 evening, vaccinated tourists entering Nepal have to submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test report within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin. After they arrive in Nepal, they have to conduct another PCR test at their own cost and stay at the isolation in the hotel until the report is out. If the report is positive, they should, as per the rules, remain for further isolation in the hotel at their costs as per the new travel protocols. With a negative PCR result, they can continue on their tour. Similarly, the travel, trekking or tour agencies handling the tourists should buy Read More
On the occasion of 111 International Women’s Day, TAAN organized an experience sharing program on Women Tourism Entrepreneurs in Adventure Tourism of Nepal where several tourism entrepreneurs participated. The main objective of this program was to motivate women to play an equally important role in adventure tourism and to inspire other women to move forward with the same enthusiasm as women have played an important role as men in the tourism sector to date. The program was organized at Aloft hotel on 15th March 2021. NATTA also had its active participation with the presence of Senior VP Mr. Binay Basnet, Secretary General Mr. Sudhir Kumar Upadhyay, Secretary Ms. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, Executive Member Mrs. Laxmi Karki Adhikari.
On 13th March 2021 Food and Beverage festival was organized at Biratnagar, also felicitating renowned Chef Mr. Santosh Shah. Chief Minister of Province No. 1 Mr. Sherdhan Rai, Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Forest & Environment of Province No. 1 Mr. Jagadish Prasad Kusiyait, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Mr. Dhanajaya Regmi and NATTA President Mr. Achyut Guragain were invited to this festival. The festival was organized for the promotion of tourism destinations of Province no. 1 and also for the promotion of their local foods with having stalls where they showcased various authentic local foods. Also, on 2nd March 2021, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Chairman of NTB Mr. Yadav Prasad Koirala appreciated and felicitated celebrity Chef Mr. Santosh Shah at the program organized by Nepal Tourism Board in promoting the authentic cuisines of Nepal via the popular culinary show, introducing Nepal Read More
The 7th Annual General Meeting of NATTA Sudurpaschim Province was held at Mahendranagar, Dhangadi on the 12th of March 2021 in the afternoon. Members of NATTA Sudurpaschim had attended the AGM and issues raised in the Annual Report of NATTA Secretary General and Annual Fiscal Report presented by the Treasurer was discussed and finally passed by the meeting.
On March 09, 2021, NATTA organized an honor and interaction program with the newly appointed board members of the Nepal Tourism Board, Vice President Mr. Chandra Rijal and Executive Member Mr. Ngawa Ngima Sherpa. NATTA President Mr. Achyut Guragain and Executive Members felicitated them. During the interaction, both NATTA and NTB Executives expressed their commitment tocollaboration with each other for the promotion of Nepalese tourism as both organizations share a common interest in working for tourism. In this program, Senior Vice President Mr. Binay Basnet, Secretary General Mr. Sudhir Kumar Upadhaya, Secretary Ms. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, Treasurer Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, Executive Members Mrs. Laxmi Karki, Mr. Bishnu Karki, Mr. Raj Kumar Devkota and Mr. Dendi Sherpa were present at NATTA Secretariat.
Nepal Tourism Board held an interaction program regarding Lumbini Branding on 8th March at Bhairahawa with the stakeholders of Lumbini Province. A thorough discussion was held on the proposed Lumbini Brand identity. Many creative, relevant and unique suggestions came from the local stakeholders which will be incorporated accordingly as required. The program was participated by Province Government officials, Members of the Buddhist Tourism Promotion Committee, Tourism Associations and Media. On March 6th – 8th a FAM Trip was organized by Nepal Tourism Board with the delegates of the tourism industry. FAM Trip was highlighted describing the importance of Mother Mayadevi Maternity Route to create a tourism product and promote the trail. President of NATTA, Mr. Achyut Guragain shared the insights and concepts on Buddhism at attended the events organized in Lumbini. A short preview: Mayadevi trail is one of the significant trails which have a great history behind it. This Read More
With the support of Pro Public, an organization dedicated to the public interest, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) organized a program with tourism stakeholders on 8th March 2021. The program was designed for especially tourism stakeholders i.e. with the representatives of NATTA, TAAN and HAN to discuss the current scenario that has been cluttered due to COVID 19 effects. The main objective was to help the tourism industrialists with the legal actions that can be taken with the Government to revive the industry. NATTA Senior VP Mr. Binay Basnet participated in the said program and shared his thoughts that can be benefited to the industry through legitimate actions.
