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.
Concerning the penalties charged by Nepal Airlines Corporation (RA), NATTA had received complaints regarding those charged to the agents as the Late Payment Fee and Interests. Agents at the time of pandemic and lockdown situation were not able to pay their regular payments. NATTA Delegation on 8th March 2021 visited Nepal Airlines and met MD of RA, Mr. Dim Prasad Poudel with a request to encourage the agents with various motivating aspects rather than discouraging with the deductions at the time of COVID. At the meeting, Mr. Poudel assured on keeping this issue of the agent in the coming Board meeting and work in favor of agents.
NATTA, NTB, NTVA with several other tourism committees participated in a Workshop at Aranya Boutique Hotel on March 4th, 2021. In the workshop, Mr. Suman Ghimire, Manager of Nepal Tourism Board had a presentation on how COVID-19 has affected in incoming of international tourist in Nepal, prioritization of domestic tourism and the health protocol by the tourism industry. The workshop also had an interaction on how the people including all the front liners, shareholders and stakeholders are aware and trained for the safety of COVID-19. The workshop was participated in by President Mr. Achyut Guragain. Mr. Guragain shared a few words on prioritizing domestic tourism, coordinating with the government for visa/on-arrival visa for the international tourist and safety of the stakeholders of the tourism industry at the program.
On 1st March 2021, a meeting was held with NATTA Executives and Secretary General of ABTO Dr. Kaulesh Kumar at NATTA Secretariat. The meeting discussed the promotion of tourism, especially in Buddhist Circuits between India and Nepal by joint tourism promotion in Asian Countries, making regular coordination between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Nepal and India, Nepal Tourism. ABTO has also planned in organizing its International Buddhist Travel Mart (IBTM) inviting several scholars from around the world.
Together in partnership with NATTA Gandaki Province Chapter and NATTA Banke Chapter, Lumbini, Province, an initiative has been launched to bring tourists from in and around Nepalgunj to Pokhara and send tourists from Pokhara to destinations in the western region including Nepalgunj in promoting both the cities. Charter flights have been started from Sita Air's Dornier aircraft which will be operated two days a week (Sunday and Friday). One-way fare has been fixed at Rs 5,000. The initiation has been made to boost the tourism business affected by the COVID and will also add convenience to the Indian guests entering through Nepalgunj.
Tourism associations as NATTA, TAAN, HAN, NMA, HRA, SOTTO, NATO, NARA, NTVA, EOA, TBAN, REBAN, Homestay Association of Nepal, Everest Summit Association and Kailash Tour Operator Association Nepal went as a delegation on February 25, 2021, at the Ministry of Tourism and met with Joint Secretary to submit the 29 pointed Amended Budget for the fiscal year 2078/79 led by NATTA Senior VP, Mr. Binay Basnet. During the meet, they discussed the whole budget planning with the added suggestions and changing a few old written statements for the government to implement and change. Some of changes and suggestions are the tax that has been paid from the tourism industry to be used in the development of the tourism industry; providing special loan at the rate of 3% to the tourism industry, waiving of taxes, providing Lease financing to encourage the newly established tourism business, ensuring the employees of tourism industry Read More
Cautioning the travel agents community about the danger that is hidden behind countries working in silos in creating digital passport standards for their countries, Mr. Yossi Fatael, Vice President, UFTAA, has asked various travel associations across the world to engage their respective governments and alert them about the dangers of creating country-specific standards. Mr. Fatael addressed a webinar organized on 22nd February 2021 by UFTAA for its members globally on ‘How Digital Passports can change the global Travel & Tourism industry’. Although vaccination has begun the world over, countries have started discriminating against people based on the vaccines. American FDA recognizes the efficacy of only a few vaccines. The same is for many European countries. This will discriminate between people and countries, he said. When people are not equal, there will be no unity. Travel agents have to have a deeper understanding of the various standards being adopted in different Read More
On February 22, 2021, in coordination with all the tourism related associations and stakeholders, a Joint Press Meet was held where the tourism industry demanded the government to relax the strict health protocols for tourists arriving in Nepal. They also demanded that the government should remove the mandatory provision of quarantine for tourist carrying a negative report of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Almost all the tourism-related associations and industry including Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN),), Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Himalayan Rescue Association and Society of Travel and Tour Operators organized the joint press meet to draw the attention of the government as the tourist season is approaching. They demanded to provide on-arrival visa, online visa and visa from Nepali Embassies, operate the TIA in a full-fledged manner and the removal of requirements of $5000 worth of Read More
NATTA Delegates led by President Mr. Achyut Guragain and other members including Secretary General Mr. Sudhir K Upadhayay, Secretary Mrs. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha and CEO Mr Uttam Devkota called on Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, the Central Bank of Nepal and discussed burning issues of foreign currency exchange facility and refinancing facility for Corona-hit travel entrepreneurs on February 21, 2021During the meeting, President Mr. Guragain briefed the Deputy Governor on the problem faced by Outbound Travel Agents due to the USD 1500 ceiling provision of NRB for each traveller and requested for increasing the limit at least to USD 2500 per traveller. Secretary Mrs. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha also indicated that the provision is very impracticable, as the USD 1500 may be insufficient to buy some expensive packages in American and European countries as the travellers might be in short of cash for other basic needs besides packages bought by Read More
MoCTCA held a meeting on February 21, 2021, with the private sectors of the tourism industry viz; NATTA, TAAN, HAN and NMA to discuss the concept of all seasons tourism. As a representative of NATTA, Senior Vice President, Mr. Binay Basnet participated in the meeting. The meeting had the interaction on including at least 5 destinations from the East, Central and West Region so that all the areas of the country are covered and how we can make use of the offseason with various marketing strategies inbuilding the destinations for a better place to travel. It was also discussed in developing and facilitating the areas for the betterment and researching the sources of the destination and promoting those new tourism products as in religious, trekking, travel, entertainment and sports tourism.
