UFTAA – United Federation of Travel Agents Association, organized its Board of Directors Meeting at Madrid, Spain on 24th & 25th of May, 2018. IPP Mr. Madhusudan Acharya and presently the Board Member of UFTAA attended the meeting along with 10 other Directors from around the globe. On the meeting, UFTAA Board deliberated on Road-Map 2018-19 including historic step towards enhanced support to agents vis a vis IATA Matters and optimizing on the Global Tourism Platform for immense benefit for its membership through global connect.
Aiming at attracting significant number of visitors from the northern neighbor, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has launched its website in Chinese language. According to NTB, the website has been designed in Chinese language to inform the northern neighbors about the major tourist destinations, which will further increase the footfall of Chinese tourists in Nepal. The website was inaugurated by the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari amid a function in Kathmandu on Monday, May 21. Speaking at the event organized to launch the website, minister Adhikari said that the footfall of Chinese tourists to Nepal is increasing each year. “The newly launched website in Chinese language will help attract more number of tourists from the northern neighbor,” he said. The website includes information on major tourist destinations, religious sites, heritage sites, temples, mountains, rivers, among others. Also speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong said Read More
The NATTA delegation led by 1st Vice President Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain met with H.E. Mr. Bhakavat Tanskul, Ambassador of Thailand on 14 May 2018 at the Royal Thai Embassy in Bansbari, Kathmandu. The delegation showed concerns on visa and other tourism related issues focusing on outbound tours faced by our general members. Delegation team requested to have consideration on issuing of group visa of Thailand for groups by submission of request letter mentioning the details of travelers from the applying organization, Reduce the working days to obtain visa from current 5 days to 3 days as previous and other matters for the smooth operation of outbound tours and business purpose. On the given concerns, HE showed favorable response and assured for the considerations for effective and efficient operation. Also, present in the meeting were NATTA Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Executive Member Mr. Ramesh Paudel, Chairman of Outbound Tour Read More
After the successful participation of Nepalese travel companies in Nepal China Sales Mission (CSM) 2018 in China, a Debriefing meeting was held on 9th May at Hotel Arts convened by Coordinator for Nepal CSM, Mr. Sudarshan Nepal. The meeting was graced by Secretary of Minister of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Mr. Krishna Prasad Devkota. President Mr. C.N Pandey, 1st Vice President Achyut Sharma Guragain including NTB Officials Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, Mrs. Nandini Lahe Thapa and Mrs. Ranu Shah were also present at the moment which made the meeting more interactive. Participants reviewed the event and expressed their satisfaction and appreciation over the arrangements to NATTA team and Coordinator for successful coordination of Sales Mission for business promotion in China. Nepal China Sales Mission was held from 17th April through 25th April 2018 in four different cities of China: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu in coordination with MoCTCA, Embassy Read More
A joint meeting was held with IRL & VAT Committee and Outbound Tour Committee members, chaired by Chairpersons of Committee Mrs. Sangita Jirel Bade and Mr. Shree Ram Pandey on 8th May 2018 at NATTA Secretariat to apprise on the amended Act of VAT and Tax with Committee members. Chairperson of IRL & VAT Committee Mrs. Bade has been participating in meetings of Internal Revenue Department (IRD). The major agenda of this joint meeting was also to incorporate the suggestions from the members in the next meeting of IRD. Also, the committee resolved to continually lobby with Internal Revenue Department in regard to consider on the arising concerns on VAT in benefit of tour operators in the industry.
NATTA Delegation visited Department of Immigration and met Director General, Mr. Dipak Kafle on 7th May 2018. The delegation briefed on the frequent deportee cases and immigration issues faced by travel and tour operators. NATTA requested the DG to look into it further for more effective actions and emphasized to find an amicable and long term solution in the cases. The delegation was led by Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa. Executive Members Mr. Raju Dhakal and Mr. Ramesh Poudel were present in the delegation.
Meeting with Domestic Airlines representatives was held at NATTA Secretariat on 4th May, 2018. The meeting was initiated by Chairperson of NATTA Domestic Airlines Committee, Ms. Sabita Bhattarai K.C which had the represents from Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Saurya Airlines, Simrik Airlines and Sita Air. The meeting discussed mainly on the prevailing issues relating to domestic airlines such as Online Ticketing, Fare pricing, Update of portal system, Ticket Stocks, Direct Sales etc. The meeting made certain resolutions and decisions. NATTA 1st Vice President Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain, Secy General Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Jt. Treasurer Mr. Surendra Bhattarai, Executive Members Mr. Amrit Dhakal and Ms. Debaki Gurung were also present in the meeting keeping their opinions.
Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) jointly organized Nepal Sales Mission 2018 in China. The Sales Mission was conducted in four cities of China: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu which are major tourism generating markets for Nepal. Nepal China Tourism Sales Mission (A Business to Business-B2B-interaction) between 20 Nepalese tourism companies and Chinese tourism counterparts has been held in Beijing on 19 June 2018. On the occasion, Minister for Foreign Affairs from Nepal, Hon'ble Pradeep Gyawali addressed the Chinese tour operators, media and Nepalese delegates present in the function and highlighted on the Nepal's priority on tourism mass marketing and promotion in neighborhood countries. Hon'ble Minister also focused on recreation, adventure and pilgrimage as major pillars of Nepalese tourism and also highlighted on the importance and prospect of MICE tourism in Nepal. Similarly, HE Nepalese Ambassador for China, Read More
NATTA welcomed new members at NATTA Secretariat on its 8th Board Meeting on 22nd April 2018. President Mr. CN Pandey and Executive Members welcomed members with Khada, lapel pin and NATTA's publication materials. New Members were also briefed on the activities of NATTA. Chairman of Membership Committee Mr. Surendra Bhattarai introduced new members in the welcome session. The welcomed new members are: A.N.T. Holidays Pvt. Ltd. Black Eye Journeys Pvt. Ltd. Empire Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. Westland Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. Highland Excursions (Nepal) Pvt. Ltd. Skylink Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) successfully participated in the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 19th -21st April 2018. The 8th Biman Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair BTTF, organized by Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), was inaugurated by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Bangladesh Mr. AKM Shahjahan Kamal. Nepal Pavilion in the Fair was graced by Tourism Minister as well as Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh HE Prof. Dr. Chop Lal Bhusal, Minister Counselor Mr. Dhan B. Oli. A delegation of travel entrepreneurs from Nepal exhibited their tourism products, where number of foreign tour operators and entrepreneurs were interested on tourism products of Nepal. On the last day of the event, Nepal Night Program was held in conjunction with Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka, NATTA and NTB in Embassy which had the number of Read More
Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) in association with Nepal Embassy in Beijing, China, and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) successfully concluded its 3 daylong event China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM) which was held at National Agricultural Centre, Beijing starting from April 16-18 2018. The exhibition was organized by Tarsus Group Limited, UK. With many stalls of the international exhibitors, the Business to Business (B2B). Around five thousands Chinese tour operator buyers were invited for the show. HE Ambassador to China in Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, Mr. Leela Mani Poudyal inaugurated Nepal Pavilion on the very first day of COTTM. The Pagoda Styled Pavilion was located at center of COTTM which had a reflection of Nepal Tourism along with its culture. Nepali Cultural dance was performed and Nepal's destination audio-visual presentation was displayed throughout the COTTM in Nepal Pavilion which was the highlight and attraction amidst Read More
Like in the past year, NATTA is coordinating the participations of Nepalese tourism stakeholders in Bangladesh Travel & Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2018, going to take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 19-21st April 2018. Mr. Hem Raj Bastola (Tara) has been nominated to coordinate the Nepalese participation. Registered participants for the event were briefed about programs schedule, Nepal Pavilion information and certain rules and regulations to be observed throughout BTTF. Nepal Night Program is also being observed on the last day of Tourism Fair at Nepal Embassy in Dhaka where participants will also have opportunity to have B2B session with the local tour operators of Bangladesh. The participating companies are: Liberty Holidays Inc. Pvt. Ltd Synergy Travels Pvt. Ltd. Sea & Sky Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. Nepal Holiday Makers Tours & Travel Pvt. Ltd. Snowland Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. K. Holidays Pvt. Ltd. Himalayan Club Travels & Tours Pvt. Read More
Press Meet on Nepal China Sales Mission 2018 A Press Meet was organized at NATTA Secretariat on 13th April 2018 to apprise the media on major sales missions and Nepal’s participation in China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM) promoting Nepal in China. Numbers of media were present in the press meet. President Mr. CN Pandey and Coordinator for the mission Mr. Sudarshan Nepal informed them about the completion of all the preparations for Mission. Present in the Press Meet were NATTA 2nd VP Mrs. Sangita Jirel Bade and Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa.
Briefing Session of China Sales Mission (CSM) 2018 took place at NATTA Secretariat with the participants of Sales Mission on 3rd April and 12th April respectively. The session was chaired by NATTA 1st VP Achyut Sharma Guragain. Participants were informed about program itinerary, arrangements of accommodation and the activities to be covered in China during the event. Mr. Sudarshan Nepal, Coordinator for Nepal CSM briefed about the do's and don'ts and certain rules to be followed. Almost 30 stakeholders are participating in the Sales Mission organized in support of Nepal Embassy in Beijing and Nepal Tourism Board. Nepal China Sales Mission 2018 program will be held in four destinations; Beijing (April 19th), Shanghai (April 20th), Shenzhen (April 23rd) and Chengdu (April 24th).
The APJC (Agency Program Joint Council) Meeting was held in Kathmandu on April 11’ 2018 at Hotel Radisson. The meeting was participated by all the NATTA APJC members and the member Airlines’ operating in Nepal. CA Janak Raj Kalakheti presided over and the agendas were discussed one by one. Mr. Amitabh Khosla, Director India & Mr. Vinod Kumar Malhotra, Branch Manager, Northern India & Nepal initiated the discussion. NATTA was represented by Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Ms. Mihika Dhakwa, Mr. Sudhir Kumar Upadhyay, Mr. Ram Prasad Shrestha & Mr. Kedar Nath Dawadi. The members in the meeting proposed to extend the operation hours of Standard Chartered bank, Lazimpat branch, by 2 hours on BSP remittance date, update full capping as per the IATA payment cycle and to update the BSP exchange rate. On this regard, IATA informed that the BSP exchange rate will be updated as per ONDA globally. In the Read More
NAC Facilitates Travel Agencies And Agents for their outstanding performance in the fiscal year 2016-2017. NAC recognized altogether 33 travel agencies, cargo sales agents (GSAs) and passenger service agents (PSAs). Addressing the program, Managing Director Kansakar said that NAC has improved its performance drastically and it has revived its image with all the flights on time. He also said that Nepal needs to have strong national flag carrier to bring more tourist in home. Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Krishna Devkota said NAC’s role will be vital to bring two million tourists to the country. Congratulating all the awardees, NATTA President Mr. CN Pandey also took a moment in the ceremony. Mr. Pandey praised about the increasing efficiency of Nepal Airlines. He also put forwarded some suggestions such as Policy of Special Precost Agreement (SPA) with other Airlines, provide authority to concerned agencies for Date Change and Reissue, Read More
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO) of India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9th April 2018 for development and promotion of tourism activities in Buddhist Circuits of Nepal-India belt. NATTA President C N Pandey and visiting ABTO General Secretary Kadesh Kumar signed the MoU on behalf of their respective associations amid a function organized at NATTA Secretariat, Kathmandu, on Monday. Among others, the two associations have agreed to share knowledge, experience and expertise in Buddhist tourism, as well as lobby with respective governments for formulation of friendly rules, policies, laws and regulations for the Buddhist tourism sector. The two associations have also agreed to organize bilateral visits for familiarization of Buddhist heritage sites and monuments in their respective countries. They have also agreed to study the possibility of co-branding of Buddhist Circuits tourism products so that their promotional Read More
NATTA had a meeting with concerned authorities from Nepal Rastra Bank, Mr. Bhisma Raj Dhungana, Director of Foreign Exchange Management Department and other official on 8th April 2018 in regard to IATA BSP Link Fee, so that NATTA will again coordinate in collection and transfer of the same to IATA at one go from the members. NATTA Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa and APJC Committee Member Ms. Mihika Dhakwa were at the meeting.
NATTA President Mr. CN Pandey participated in the three day official visit to India with Honorable Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Mr. Pandey attended all the official events that was organized in honor of Prime Minister. According to President Mr. CN Pandey, Indian stakeholders have shown enthusiasm to invest in Nepal. At the programs organized during the visit, Prime Minister Oli urged stakeholders in Nepal to invest in Nepal tourism sector. Honorable Prime Minister also assured for a suitable environment in investment as currently there is political stability in Nepal. Mr. Pandey also said that the government has described tourism as the main base of economic prosperity and emphasized on foreign investment in tourism. The delegation in the Prime Minister's visit also included CEO of Nepal Tourism Board and other tourism entrepreneurs.
The 12th Annual General Meeting of Siddhartha Association of Travel Agents (SATTA) was held in 6th April 2018 at Bhairahawa where Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain, 1st Vice President and Mr. Surendra Bhattarai, Joint Treasurer attended representing NATTA. SATTA and NATTA both has been working in an aid of tourism promotion. As both associations has similar approach in promotion, if joint together tourism industry could achieve an expected result in the Nepalese tourism. Therefore, SATTA on its annual general meeting decided to be together with NATTA as NATTA Provincial State No. 5 on the leadership of Founder Chairman of SATTA Mr. Bishnu Sharma, where 21 Members Interim Committee has been formed. This also efforts on concept that if the local level ownership is provided to the tourism sector, it would be of inordinate support in the development and promotion for Sustainable tourism.
