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.
Delegates from Korea Tourism Organization (KTA), Mr. Jong Sool Kwon, Mr. Han Song Wook, Mr. Sandeep Dutta visited NATTA Secretariat on 3rd April 2018 and had discussions on mutual promotion of Korea/Nepalese in countries. The delegates proposed in organizing a Sales Mission promoting Korean inbound and outbound tour promotion in Nepal. While in exchange of views, President Mr. CN Pandey expressed his anxiety towards the stable number of Korean visitors to Nepal. Mr. Pandey also expressed that NATTA would always be ready to support in an aid for tourism promotion. The meeting comprised of NATTA Officials; 1st VP Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain, Secretary Mr. Ramesh Thapa, NATTA outbound Tour Committee Coordinator Mr. Shreeram Pandey and Committee Members; Mr. Sanam Shakya, Mr. Sudesh Gautam Chhetri and Mr. Ramesh Parajuli.
In the initiation of NATTA Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Joint General Secretary Committee (JGSC) has been formed which comprises of all Secretary General from the major associations; TAAN, HAN, NMA and NARA. The first meeting chaired by NATTA on 30th March interacted on the ongoing issues on the travel trade. All the SG’s of associations assured of best support and mutual understanding between the associations and expected the same to work together in promoting tourism. It has been decided that in every three months an association will chair the meeting in rotational tradition.
Himalaya Rescue Association (HRA) organized a program on Thursday, 29th March at HRA Secretariat in honor of the elected NATTA Executive Committee. The program began by welcoming the Executives with Khada and Bouquet and an introduction session between the Executive Committee of both the associations. NATTA President Mr. CN Pandey thanked HRA Executive Committee for organizing such felicitation program in their honor. HRA President Mr. Narendra Deo Bhatta entrusted on full support to and fro of the associations and wished the team of NATTA a successful tenure.
Country Manager of Biman Bangladesh, Md. Faruq Shah was at NATTA Secretariat as a courtesy meeting on 29th March 2018. The meeting had general discussion on the ongoing matters that NATTA members have been facing. NATTA requested Biman Bangladesh Airline to increase stockist travel agents as the major concern NATTA received from members for Biman Bangladesh (BG) was having very less authorized travel agents. Also, taking the opportunity NATTA requested for the special fare from BG in participation of Bangladesh Travel & Tourism Fair (BTTF). President Mr. CN Pandey, Secretary General Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Executive Members Mr. Shree Ram Pandey and Mr. Hem Raj Bastola were at the meeting.
Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) celebrated its 45th Anniversary on 28th March at NATHM premises, Rabibhawan. The program was graced by Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; Mr. Rabindra Adhikari. Honorable Minister on the occasion, said that he was working on such institution to establish in all provinces which Nepal can produce skilled human resources in the related sector. In celebration of anniversary, NATTA was represented by all the NATTA Executive Board Members and CEO.
In regard to brief the details of COTTM, a briefing session was organized at NATTA Secretariat on 27th March participated by participants of COTTM exhibitors. Designs of Nepal Pavilion were discussed and booth for exhibitors was allocated via lucky draw in the session. NATTA together with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is coordinating the participation of Nepalese tourism stakeholders in China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM) in National Agricultural Exhibition Center, Beijing, China from 16th -18th April 2018. Soon after the completion of COTTM, Nepal China Sales Mission is being organized in four destinations; Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu in promotion of Nepal from 18th – 25th April 2018. The participating companies for COTTM are: Dream Tibet Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. Creative Adventure Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Next Yatra Travels Pvt. Ltd. Hotel Manang Sea Links Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. Classic Nepal Travel Pvt. Ltd. Dragon Holidays Pvt. Ltd. Read More
A Candlelight Memorial was observed on the 13th day (24th March 2018) of the US-Bangla plane crash at Naxal, Narayanchaur in remembrance of the departed soul and wishing for speedy recovery of the injured passengers of the tragic plane crash of US Bangla Airlines at TIA. A one minute silence (MaunDharan) was observed in presence of mass gathering comprising of people from tourism fraternity along with public. Candles were lit; flowers were offered to pay homage to the departed soul. The event was organized by Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) inviting participation of all members and tourism stakeholders. To View the Images, Click Here
The three day Global Adventure and Mountaineering Conference and Expo (GAMCE) 2018 was held on Kathmandu from March 23 at Hotel Yak & Yeti. The conference was organized jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board and House of Rajkarnicar to promote adventure tourism in Nepal. NATTA also had its pavilion at venue in promotion.
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) urged the government to start immediate long term works for the development of tourism in Nepal, suggesting a number of plans and ideas. On the interaction session held with newly nominated Honorable Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Rabindra Adhikari, Honorable State Minister Mr. Dhan Bahadur Malla and Secretary Mr. Krishna Prasad Devkota at Hotel Annapurna on 22nd March 2018, NATTA handed over a memorandum to the government which included 11 short term and 17 long-term suggestions. The interaction session chaired by NATTA President Mr. C.N. Pandey had the participation of CEO of NTB, Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, NATTA Past Presidents and Executive Committee Members. Some of the major points discussed were, the increasing traffic in the Tribhuvan International Airport due to which flights are being forced to hold in the air for long amounts of time, requesting that the condition be resolved as soon Read More
In seek of support to get the message across the NATTA members in inviting travel agents for maximum participation for appointment of GSA regarding their wing Drukair Holidays (DH) in Nepal, Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, Station Manager of Drukair along with Chairperson of Druk Air, Ms. Situ Karki were at Secretariat on 22nd March 2018. The appointed GSA will be exclusively handling both inbound for Nepal from Bhutan and outbound from Nepal to Bhutan tour packages. DH will be exclusively working with the GSA of the country only and all other sales agents of the market shall be routed through the GSA.
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) issued a Press Release extending condolence for those that lost their lives in the US-Bangla plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport on 12th March. Press Release expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured that are being treated currently. The statement also urged the government to make the necessary arrangements to prevent recurrence of such incidents, and also stressed the need to take measures for damage-control. Click Here to View Press Release
Various committee meetings were held at NATTA Secretariat to ease the solution of ongoing issues: APJC Committee APJC meeting was held on 11th March chaired byMr. Ramesh Thapa, Coordinator of APJC Committee. Committee Members, Ms. Mihika Dhakhwa, Mr. Sudhir Kumar Upadhyay, Mr. Ramesh Poudel, Mr. Ram P. Shrestha, Mr. Kedar Nath Dawadi and Mr. Megh Bahadur Khatri were present in the meeting. Recently NATTA requested its members to send any problems or issues occurring in IATA. Transport & Hotel Coordination Committee The joint meeting was held with Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association (NTVA), Transportation Committee and a number of invited members of NATTA to discuss on the proposed increment on tourist vehicle transport rates. Chaired by Coordinator of Committee Mr. Amrit Kumar Dhakal, the meeting was held on 5th March. Outbound Tour Committee On 2nd March, meeting of Outbound Tour Committee was Read More
NATTA had an opportunity to have a meeting with President of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) Mr. Taufiq Uddin Ahmed on 9th March 2018 at NATTA Secretariat while on his visit to Nepal. NATTA President Mr. CN Pandey and Mr. Taufiq Uddin Ahmed talked about the mutual ties of friendship and cooperation between two associations, exchange visits of members to each other's country in order to promote tourism. 1st VP Achyut Sharma Guragain, 2nd VP Mrs. Sangita Jirel Bade, Secy. General Mr. Ramesh Thapa and Coordinator for BTTF and Executive Member Mr. Hem Raj Bastola also shared the views and discussed on the significances of Bangladesh Travel & Tourism Fair (BTTF). Mr. Ahmed assured for full support and cooperation in Nepal's participation in BTFF. NATTA and TOAB had a mutual agreement signed in regard to the full coordination and support of BTTF. NATTA in conjunction with NTB is organizing Bangladesh Read More
The very first meeting of Council of NATTA Past Presidents (CNPP) after the election of new NATTA Executive Committee was held on 5th March at Hotel Annapurna.The meeting was attended by Past Presidents and Executive Committee Members. Meeting was welcomed by President Mr. CN Pandey and commenced with introduction session of Presidents and Board Members. Convener of CNPP and Past President Mr. RR Pandey presided over the meeting and firstly congratulated and extended the felicitations to newly elected Board Members on behalf of Past Presidents. The meeting exchanged views on several ongoing issues. Since country has gone to Federalism as per the new constitution and has been divided into seven Provinces, NATTA on its 51st AGM had passed the proposal of taking NATTA into provincial state as well. Highlighting on this issue, the meeting discussed on the points of the Provincial Coverage to be included in the NATTA Statute. Similarly, certain Read More
The World Bank and UNESCO jointly organized a workshop on the theme Regional Workshop for the Revival of Buddhist Tour comprising of tourism stakeholders, tour operators, archaeologists in Pakistan in a bid to promotion of Buddhist sites. The meeting had the participation from Nepal, Srilanka, Bhutan, India which was also a platform to exchange and share the tourism products of the countries. The participants of also had the Sightseeing of Buddhist and archaeological sites of various cities of Pakistan. NATTA 1st Vice President, Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain participated in the week day long program. Mr. Guragain also had an opportunity to have a meeting with Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) which was fruitful to establish a friendship and cooperation between two associations by giving consent to all NATTA and TAAP members.
The third edition of the Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) 2018 was held from February 16-18 at Siliguri, Eastern India. This year, NATTA had its participation in Bengal Travel Mart in conjunction with Nepal Tourism Board comprising of nine tourism stake holder companies from various Regions: Mid Western, Far Western, Eastern and Central Region promoting Nepalese tourism potentials. The event was inaugurated by Hon'ble Tourism Minister of Bengal, Mr. Goutam Deb who also visited the stall of Nepal and shared some moment. The two day event welcomed good number of visitors in Nepal Pavilion where Nepalese stakeholders promoted best of their Nepal products. Nepal stall was located near the entrance of the venue which also supported in inviting number of visitors and queries. Bengal Travel Mart was fruitful to showcase the tourism infrastructure and facilities to the national and global audience and especially to the trade people for better marketing of tourist and Read More
7th AGM and Election of NATTA Eastern Regional Association The Seventh AGM and Election of NATTA Eastern Regional Association was held in Bhadrapur on 15th February, 2018. President Mr. Hemraj Bastola welcomed distinguished guest and members in the meeting and enlightened on the activities which was organized in his tenure and proposed for the best of activities to be done by NATTA Eastern in the upcoming days. The Election of New Executive Committee elected Mr. Bhupal Man Shrestha as President of NATTA Eastern Regional Association and Mr. Gyan Mani Nepal, Nutan Kumar Jha, Mr. Nawaraj Kharel, Mr. Punya Prasad Bhattarai, Mr. Rishi Raj Timsina, Mr. Uday Bahadur Karki has been elected as 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, General Secretary, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Member respectively. A Joint Breakfast Meeting was held with NATTA Central, Western and Eastern Region on the very next day of AGM and Election in regard Read More
A delegation from Tokha Municipality along with Mayor met with President of NATTA Mr. CN Pandey and Executive Committee Members on 14th February 2018 at Secretariat in regard to the promotion of Tokha. On the exchange of views, President Mr. Pandey advised on the utilization of the tourism promotional resources in promotion of the Tokha area.
Various necessary NATTA Committees have been formed to ease the solution of ever increasing responsibilities of the associations: National & International Promotion Committee:Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain, 1st Vice President Tour, Culture & Heritage Committee: Mr. Achyut Sharma Guragain, 1st Vice President Regional Association & Chapter Coordination Committee: Ms. Sangita Jirel Bade, 2nd Vice President IRL & VAT Committee: Ms. Sangita Jirel Bade, 2nd Vice President APJC Committee: Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Secretary General Domestic Airlines Committee: Ms. Sabita Bhattarai K.C, Secretary Finance & Resource Management: Mr. Ram Prasad Shrestha, Treasurer Membership Committee: Mr. Surendra Bhattarai, Joint Treasurer Asia Pacific Promotion Committee: Mr. Furi Geljen Sherpa, Executive Member Members Feedback & Solution Committee: Ms. Geeta Dhakal, Executive Member Budget Airlines Committee: Ms. Geeta Dhakal, Executive Member PR and Government Resource Management Committee: Mr. Raju Dhakal, Executive Member Media & Publicity Committee- Ms. Inu Thapa, Executive Member IATA & Aviation Committee: Mr. Ramesh Read More
