In follow up of inviting Former Secretary General of UN, Mr. Ban Ki Moon as a Key note Speaker to Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) which is going to be held from January 10-12 2019, NATTA President Mr. CN Pandey and Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa visited Embassy of Republic of Korea (South) and met H.E Park Young Silk. On request of NATTA, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) had invited Mr. Ban Ki Moon as a Key Note Speaker in the event and the industry is positive in confirmation of his arrival.
Preparations for Nepal's participation in FITUR 2019 is in progress. A total of 16 participants have already registered their names and the further process in conjunction with NTB is being carried out. FITUR – 2019 is scheduled to be held in Madrid (Spain) from 23rd – 27th January, 2019. FITUR 2019 is being coordinated by NATTA 2nd Vice President Mrs. Sangita Jirel Bade.
The first meeting of Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) Main Organizing Committee was held at Lecture Hall, Nepal Tourism Board on 16th November 2018 chaired by Secretary of MoCTCA and Chairperson of BITM. The meeting had the presence of all the represents from the Main organizing committee. Convener of Buddhist International Travel Mart, Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain gave the PowerPoint presentation regarding the updates on BITM and discussed on certain agendas. The major concept of Presentation was in explaining the tagline EXPLORE THE BUDDHALAND, A GATEWAY TO BUDDHIST CIRCUITS, BIRTHPLACE OF GAUTAM BUDDHA, LUMBINI, NEPAL, HIGHLIGHT the BUDDHIST SITES and promoting Nepal through Spiritual Travel Mart. Representatives from all organizations suggested on certain topics and assured on full support from their side in making a successful event.
The 7th APJC Meeting was held on 16th November at Hotel Radisson with APJC Members. While discussion at the meeting, NATTA strongly commended on consideration of deferral date of IATA payment at least after 3 days on a special occasion especially during Dashain/Tihar. Whereas airlines had proposed only for 2 days for deferral. Similarly, on the date of payment of IATA BSP, it has always been a major issue of very limited time for IATA members, for which NATTA requested IATA Official to request for exceeding additional hours in payment at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and if possible to have options for transaction in other banks as well. Mr. Rodney D’ Cruz, Assistant Director of IATA responded that SCB has to report to IATA on the same day so this might be difficult for them but will put forward this issue in head office, Singapore and will also try requesting Read More
In Request for Support in upcoming Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) 2019, a joint meeting with international airlines and GDS operating in Nepal was held at Alice Receptions convened by NATTA. The meeting firstly apprised on the information about BITM and requested for suggestion and advice to make this event a grand success in the benefit of tourism in Nepal. Also, requested to suggest for Bloggers, Media and Buyers in the program and share the event among their associates. All the represents in the meeting praised for the initiation of organizing first ever Buddhist International Mart with their valued suggestions to work and jointly agreed to collaborate in a grand manner.
Nepal Government, Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation has announced the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) in January 2019. The event is going to be held on 10-12 Jan 2019 at Lumbini and Bhairahawa in Nepal. Mr. Krishna Prasad Devkota, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation is the chair of the main organizing committee, Nepal Tourism Board is organizing partner and NATTA become the implementing organization together with all tourism-related pioneer organizations. In this connection, NATTA Vice President & Convener of BITM Mr. Achyut Guragain, Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa and Executive Director, BITM Mr. Vinaya Shakya, had visited the Embassies in Kathmandu. Convener Mr. Guragain briefed their Excellency regarding the upcoming BITM 2019. Mr. Guragain mentioned that Buddhist Travel Mart is first of its kind in International Travel Mart in Tourism market. This event will be the platform to meet buyers and sellers. It is a Read More
NATTA Team led by President Mr. C. N. Pandey consisting of VP Mr. Achyut Gurgain, Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Joint Treasure Mr. Surendra Bhattarai visited PATA Nepal Chapter office on 29 Oct 2018 regarding Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM 2019). The meeting was focused on the pros and cons of the event. NATTA President Mr. C. N. Pandey briefed the relation between two organization NATTA and PATA Nepal Chapter. Mr. Achyut Guragain, VP and Convener of BITM explained the concept of Buddhist Travel Mart. President of PATA Nepal Chapter Mr. Sunil Sakya congratulated the NATTA for the initiation taken for such an event. He extended the full support from PATA Nepal Chapter team to make this event a grand success. General Secretary of PATA Nepal Mr. Bibhu C. Thakur and Treasurer Mr. Shiva Dhakal extended their best wishes for the success of the BITM 2019. Those present were Mr. Read More
NATTA welcomed four New Members on its 17th Board Meeting on 28th October 2018. Malashree Travels & Tours Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Holiday Bookers Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Long Vision Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. and Dream Destiny International Travel Pvt. Ltd. were presented with NATTA Membership Certificate along with its publication materials. President CN Pandey, addressing the program welcomed them as a member of NATTA and highlighted on the activities of NATTA. New members as well expressed their delight on being part of NATTA.
Kathmandu has been selected as one of the must-see Top 5 cities in the world by Lonely Planet for the year of 2019. Qatar Airways recently organized a function on 24th October to celebrate this recognition with NTB, NATTA and the travel fraternity. Addressing the event, Qatar Airways Country Manager Mr. Jayaprakash Nair praised the effort of NTB, NATTA and the travel fraternity for this international recognition which will help Nepal in achieving its dream of welcoming 2 million tourists by 2020. NTB CEO Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi said the recognition was a result of joint efforts by the government, NTB, airlines, and tourism entrepreneurs. Mr. CN Pandey, President of NATTA congratulated all stakeholders on achieving the feat.
A delegation from Secretariat of the Organizing Committee of the Western China International Fair Sichuan Bureau of Expo Affairs were at NATTA Secretariat on 24th October 2018. This was a joint meeting with the delegation, NATTA and Nepal Tourism Board officials. At the meeting, officials shared about the best support shown with each other in tourism promotion of two friendly countries Nepal and China. The delegation also apprised about The Western China International Fair (WCIF), in Chengdu, Sichuan Province which is a national large scale foreign related institutionalized exhibition serving as an important platform for Belt Road” initiative and an essential window for China’s opening up. NTB Official, Mr. Lila Bahadur Baniya thanked the delegation for their great support shown towards Nepal in Sichuan Expo held on last September 2018 and apprised about the promotional programs held in China in collaboration with NATTA. Taking a moment, NATTA 1st VP Mr. Read More
On 13 October, the 2018 Annual Conference of International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) opened at the Guiyang International Eco-Conference Center. With the theme “New era of science and technology: new opportunities for the innovation and development of the world mountain tourism”, with a focus on new opportunities, new space and models for mountain tourism development in the new era of science and technology, the conference looked into “new technology + mountain tourism”. Events held at the conference included the Thematic Forum, Dominique de Villepin’s Saloon, Dialogue among Famous Mountains in the World, Seminar, Business Fair for Mountain Tourism and World Famous Mountain Photography Exhibition. The IMTA Council deliberated on IMTA’s next-year work plan, approved the applications of 16 new members, issued the initiative for setting “World Mountain Tourism Day” on May 29 together with Everest Day and launched the research project Report on Development Trends of World Mountain Tourism. Several Read More
The organizers of China Adventure Tourism Forum (CATF) Organization Committee were at NATTA Secretariat on 12th October 2018 to discuss and request for support in regard to China Adventure Tourism Forum Himalayan Summit, which will be held in Kathmandu, Nepal from November 6th to 7th, 2018. China Adventure Tourism Forum, hosted by China Tourism Association which was founded in 1986, it is the tourism industry organization that officially approved by the State Council of the RPC. China Adventure Tourism Forum is the 2 day event with inclusion of B2B, Conference with Chinese inbound and Outbound tour operators and delegations from Chinese Organizations. They had provided 35 tickets exclusive to NATTA Members. Former Executive Member Mr. Varun Mehta, Ms. Krystal Liu, Mr. Andy Shen and Ms. Linda Liu were present in the meeting along with NATTA President Mr. CN Pandey and 1st Vice President Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain. A circular was sent to all members regarding participation in the Summit.
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents in continuing in its Skill Development programs is planning to organize Ticketing & GDS Training to its valuable members and scholars of tourism industry in partnership with Global Distribution System (GDS) operating in Nepal. On this concern, the Joint meeting was held on 7th October 2018 with NATTA and GDS System of Nepal; Sabre Nepal, Galileo Nepal and Amadeus to commence the trainings by NATTA in coordination with GDS. All the GDS have assured on full support on providing trainings to the participant as a support gesture to the tourism industry.
The Vice President of Turkish Airlines for Asia Region, Mr. Tuncay Eminoglu and Specialist Mr. Kerem Sarp were at NATTA Secretariat on 3rd October 2018 with Country Manager Mr. Abdullah Tuncer Kecici and the team of Turkish Airlines as a courtesy meeting. The meeting also included some of the top agents of Turkish Airlines where there was a discussion on the conduct of its operation and Turkish Airlines could benefit the travel agents of the country by identifying its potential working sectors. All the participants in the meeting praised on the teamwork of Turkish Airlines operating in Nepal and focused on the increment of its frequency and offered full support towards its effort.
NATTA Central Board had its fifteenth Board meeting together for the first time with all its Province Executive Board Members of NATTA at Tiger Palace Resort, Bhairahawa on 29th September 2018. All Executive Committee Members from NATTA Provinces; Kathmandu, Kakdvitta, Gandaki, Lumbini, Dhangadhi and Palpa Chapter were present in the meeting. The meeting kicked off with the welcome address by NATTA Central President Mr. CN Pandey. President Pandey also stated that NATTA will soon have its institutions in the remaining Provinces and requested for mutual collaboration in all of the NATTA’s endeavours. Executives from all provinces were under the same roof strategizing for the better formulation of the association together. The meeting discussed in the joint promotion of tourism and also reflected on concepts in making a success of visit Nepal 2020. The discussion also had an opportunity to address on the NATTA’s upcoming endeavour Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM). Read More
In recognizing the need of exchange of cross-cultural activities, trade and development experiences, tourism and various opportunities between countries, Thai Festival 2018 was organized in the capital on 29th September 2018 by Royal Thai Embassy in Nepal. Having several stalls with daily essential goods, handicraft items imported from Thailand, the Thai festival featured Cultural performances, Thai food stalls, Thai Muay boxing along with fun-filled activities. The day-long Thai Festival was joined with a number of crowd including Nepali government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, expatriates and distinguished personalities from various walks-of-life. Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) also represented its organization having its booth in the festival. Nepal is one of the popular destinations for the Thai tourists, there has been a significant increase in the number of Thai’s visiting Nepal aiming to explore the country’s unparalleled beauty. Nepal and Thailand enjoy an admirable bilateral relationship at Read More
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) celebrated 39th World Tourism Day organizing various programs; Cleaning Campaign, Futsal and Blood Donation on 22nd and 23rd September 2018 respectively. The initial program Cleaning Campaign was organized at one of the Historical Site, Swoyambhu to generate awareness in conveying the way of our contribution to the preservation of monuments in the tourist site on 22nd September 2018. The campaign was inaugurated by Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr Krishna Prasad Devkota. Participated by more than 300 participants included NATTA Members, Airlines and fellow associations. Likewise, just after the Campaign, Fifth NATTA Futsal Tournament was held at Dhanyantari Futsal having a total of 18 teams comprising the participants from the entire tourism industry. Liberty Holidays from the Gents team and Galileo Nepal from the ladies team were the winners on the tournament. In addition, NATTA Read More
The delegation of Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA) visited office of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to congratulate newly appointed Executive Chairman of NAC, Mr. Madan Kharel on 20th September 2018. On the meeting, NATTA also submitted its suggestions to Mr. Kharel addressing its recommendations to NAC. Some of the commendations included to provide and maintain the quality service, encouraged on initiation for partnership with foreign airlines to increase the capacity of the national flag carrier to develop Nepal tourism sector. It also demanded to expand air service in different regions of China for the development of tourism of Nepal. Similarly, NATTA has demanded to initiate the partnership with foreign airlines to promote national flag carrier’s capacity for the development of Nepalese tourism sector. NATTA also pointed out high rates charged by the NAC for domestic flights and its refusal to conduct flights to major tourism destinations, requesting Read More
The first-ever India Tourism Mart (ITM) was held in New Delhi starting from September 16 held at New Delhi, India. Organized by Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) with the support and guidance of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, ITM hosted around 280 international buyer participation. The three daylong event was an opportunity for the buyers to experience Indian hospitality, culture, cuisines, heritage monuments, infrastructure and niche products from various Indian states. NATTA President Mr. CN Pandey and Immediate Past President Mr. Madhusudan Acharya participated in the Mart. The Mart was followed by UFTAA Board Meeting held with the Board of Directors of UFTAA at India. President Mr. Pandey and IPP Mr. Acharya presently the Board Member of UFTAA attended the meeting.
Hello! Come, Participate in Buddhist International Travel Mart “BITM 2019” Logo Competition Win Cash Prize of Rs. 20,000/- Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents invites YOU to participate in the creation of “BITM 2019” logo. Guidelines for Logo Design Logo should carry the message “Exploring Buddha Land” The Design should be Vibrant, Unique and Appealing-depicting Buddha’s Home Land, Lumbini and Buddhist vibes. The Logo should depict at its maximum to the Nature and origin of Buddhism in Nepal The logo should be easy to replicate. The colour, the font and the artworks used should be simple and eye-friendly. The logo should be of International Standard to appeal for national and international travellers. Requirement of the logo Logo shall be used as the main Branding Tool for the entire Campaign and will be featured in website, social media platforms and other printed and online materials. Logos cannot contain copyrighted material and must be Read More
