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
Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) is an annual marketplace of the Buddhist pilgrimage industry conceived by Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA). The main objective of organizing the Mart is to exploit the immense potentials that Nepal has in Buddhist pilgrimage tourism. The Travel Mart will not only promote Buddhist heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini, but will also offer new tourism products that Nepali tourism entrepreneurs can sell in the international market. Also, the Mart will play a key role in diversifying and decentralizing Nepali tourism which is heavily reliant on adventure tourism and focus on handful of areas of the country. NATTA plans to organize the Mart under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, together with Nepal Tourism Board and Lumbini Development Trust as well as different travel trade associations of the country for the month of January 2019.
As per the decision of 12th NATTA Board Meeting, the rate of remuneration of Tourist Guide service was decided by certain percent with effect from 1st January 2019. But there seemed to be unease with the decision by concerned associates. For mutual alliance amongst all in this regard, NATTA had a meeting with some major tour operators at NATTA Secretariat on 13th September 2018. There was several discussions in the meeting in relating to revision of rates of tour guide. As advised in the meeting, it was decided that Coordinator of Tour, Heritage & Culture Committee will converse with the concerned associates to have mutual cooperation.
From September 8th to 10th, 2018, Hangzhou hosted the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) · Xianghu Dialogue and the second session of the first Council Meeting and Annual Meeting of WTA. WTA, through the dialogue, the communication among members was strengthened and provided a platform for multiple subjects like government, industry associations and enterprises be built to share experience and exchange ideas, so as to make tourism better to promote poverty reduction, development and peace service. In addition, the second session of the first Council Meeting & Annual Meeting of WTA was held in the same period. The council meeting had a detailed summary of the work of the alliance between 2017 and 2018 and studied on the annual working plan from 2018 to 2019 considering the specific statutes of the alliance’s work. The following meeting had the attendance of more than 300 representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Read More
Nepal was a special part of the opening ceremony of the 5th Sichuan International Travel Expo 2018 on Sept. 7. Hon'ble Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Rabindra Prasad Adhikari, attended the program as a part of the high-level Government delegation from Nepal to forge new partnership between the Sichuan Province of China and Nepal for joint promotion of the shared Buddhist heritage. At the opening ceremony, Hon'ble Tourism Minister appreciated the role of the Chinese Government for their support to initiate promotional partnership with Nepal, welcoming close association and looking forward to productive results ahead for both countries. The Minister- led delegation also attended the Emei Global Summit for signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Leshan Municipality in China and the municipalities of Ramgram and Tansen, and the Lumbini Development Trust, in Nepal. The first day of the Travel Expo went well at Mt. Emei, which Read More
NATTA honoured and congratulated newly crowned Miss Tourism 2018 pageant holders on 2nd September 2018 in the presence of Board Members of NATTA Secretariat. Winner of Title Ms. Manita Paudel, 1st Runner Ms. Prakriti Dhakal and 2nd Runner Ms. Shruti Thapa interacted with Executives Members of NATTA at the meet.
NATTA held a Joint Meeting with Airlines and Executive Members of NATTA at Hotel Shangri-La on 29th August 2018. Introduced by Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa on outline of the Joint Meeting, meeting was well-attended by almost all the country managers of major airlines operating in Nepal. Mr. CN Pandey, NATTA President chaired the meeting and spoke about the objective of the meeting envisaging the importance of mutual support and co-operation between NATTA and Airlines. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current issues in the aviation industry along with its solutions facilitating for aviation, tourism industry and prominently NATTA Members. Secy General & Chairman of APJC Committee Mr. Ramesh Thapa and Executive Member & Chairman of IATA & Aviation Committee Mr. Ramesh Paudel reflected on below issues as per suggestion and feedback received from NATTA Members: GDS: Travel agencies (IATA/Non IATA) having legally completed procedures according to Read More
In regard to discussion on Recent Taxation Issues and its impact in tourism and business fraternity, a Joint Meeting was held with tourism associations, FNCCI, CNI and Nepal Chamber of Commerce on 26th August 2018 at HAN Secretariat, Gairidhara. The meeting was held to have the views from all the associations and prepare for further collective strategy to bring out the solutions to the government of Nepal. NATTA had also circulated its general members to send their suggestions/views regarding Recent Local Municipal Taxation Issues with which representing NATTA, 2nd Vice President Mrs. Sangita Jirel Bade put forward the difficulties faced by members at the meeting.
As per the decision of 12th NATTA Board Meeting, the following rate of remuneration of Tourist Guide service has been decided with effect from 1st January 2019. No. of Pax English Language (Half Day) Other Language (Half Day) 01-02 Rs. 1,130/- Rs. 1,370/- 03-10 Rs. 1,550/- Rs. 1,780/- 11 & above Rs. 1,800/- Rs. 2,350/- The above rates are for the Half- Day Sightseeing Tour and should be doubled up for Full Day Tour. Over-night Allowance and Remuneration shall be Rs. 5,500/- per day Outside valley, within Nepal to be provided including night stay & allowances fixed for all number of Pax and language. If the accommodation and food provided by their concerned company, allowances deducted to Rs. 2,000/- As per the current Labour Act and Regulations, TDS is applicable in the given amount and Guide should abide by the responsibilities assigned. Mountain flight, Arrival, Departure transfers, accompanying the cultural Read More
NATTA has granted membership to a new applicant Across World Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. as NATTA Member. President CN Pandey handed over the Certificates with related documents. NATTA Executive Board Members also expressed their best wishes to the newly joined member in the last 13th Board meeting held at NATTA Secretariat on 19th August 2018.
