The twenty-second APJC (Agency Program Joint Council) Meeting was held in Kathmandu on July 06 2022 at Hotel Radisson. The meeting was participated by all the NATTA APJC members and the member Airlines’ operating in Nepal. APJC Chairperson CA Janak Raj Kalakheti presided over and the agendas were discussed. Mr. Rodney D'Cruz, Secretary for the APJC and Assistant Director, India & Mr. Ritam Saha, Manager, India, Nepal & Bhutan initiated the discussion one by one. NATTA APJC Chairperson Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya elaborated on the issues which was the part of agenda submitted by NATTA previously. The issues were Banking and Remittance, Security deposits of Airlines, Refund issues, double interest payments, defer in payment dates, capping, ADM and other crucial matters for IATA Agents. NATTA was represented by Mr. Megh Bahadur K.C, Mr. Bishnu Basnet, Mr. Rajendra Bhattarai, Mr. Ram Prasad Shrestha and Mr. Kishor Tripathi. The outcome of the meeting Read More
IATA Officials from India Mr. Rodney D'Cruz, Assistant Director, Passenger & Cargo Services, India, Nepal & Bhutan ASPAC-Field Offices and Mr. Ritam Saha, Manager Pax and Cargo Services. Nepal India & Bhutan called on NATTA Secretariat, Wednesday the 6th of July and held discussions on matters of the difficulties being faced by Nepalese travel agents. Mr. D'Cruz and Mr. Saha congratulated the newly elected Executive Committee of NATTA and expressed the hope that NATTA & IATA would be able to work in tandem with each other in the days to come for the betterment of the industry. NATTA President Mr. Ramesh Thapa thanked the IATA officials for the visit and raised a few queries regarding the refund issues, Good for Payment Cheque and capping. Speaking on the occasion the NATTA APJC Chairperson and Secretary General Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya put up a few issues enlightening the officials with the fact Read More
A NATTA Past Presidents Council (CNPP) meeting was held on 29th June 2022 in the NATTA Secretariat chaired by the then Convener of CNPP, Mr. RR Pandey. In the meeting, it was decided on introducing the PPC working procedure to make the CNPP more functional and effective in further strengthening the scope of NATTA. Likewise, recently introduced biennial awards, DN Pradhan Memorial Tourism Entrepreneurs Excellence Award and Khagendra Raj Pandey Memorial Travel & Tourism Award were praised by Presidents during the meeting. The meeting also approved the Working Procedure "Karyabidhi" for properly carrying forward these two awards. The cheque for "Akshaykosh" worth NRs. 2.5 Million committed by Mr. RR Pandey was handed over to the NATTA President on the occasion. The meeting has unanimously decided to appoint Mr. RM Singh Pradhan as the Convener and Ms. Ambica Shrestha as the Council of NATTA Past Presidents (CNPP) for the years 2022-2024. Read More
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Delegation visited the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Singhadurbar on 30th June 2022 to meet and congratulate the newly appointed Tourism Minister Hon'ble Mr. Jeevan Ram Shrestha. At the meeting, the delegation felicitated with the Bouquet, Khada and Congratulatory frame to the Minister. NATTA also handed over the 21 point Suggestions along with the current issues being faced in the tourism sector to the Hon'ble Minister which included the amendment of the Tourism Act, initiating the process of issuing online visas to tourists, increase tourism promotional programs with NATTA and increasing connectivity of Nepal Airlines. The letter also urged the government to support NATTA's event Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM), re-announce the Visit Nepal Year as the last VNY 2020 could not happen due to Covid situation. The delegation that visited MoCTCA included President Mr. Ramesh Thapa, IPP Mr. Achyut Guragain, Read More
The Government of Nepal published the Bagmati Province Tourism Act 2078. However, tourism industrialists are not pleased with the provisions of the updated tourism act. Therefore, NATTA, TAAN, HAN, NTVA and TBAN jointly prepared and handed over the suggestions highlighting the issues to be amended in the Act to the Secretary of the Provincial Tourism Ministry in a program organized in the TAAN Secretariat on 27th June 2022. Out of the issues to amend, the provision in the new act had the requirement of paid-up capital of 50 Lakhs for travel tour companies which were recommended to be reduce to NRs. 25 Lakhs. Previously on 14th June 2022, NATTA also submitted the Amendments to be done in the Act mentioning the Suggestions to the Honorable Tourism Minister of Bagmati Province.
Ministry of Forest and Environment/Climate Change Management Division organized a national validation workshop on "Enhancing Private Sector Engagement in Climate Change Resilient Business and National Adaptation Project (NAP) Implementation". NATTA Secretary Ms. Yubika Bhandari participated in the event on 24th June 2022 in Hotel Yellow Pagoda. The workshop was organized to collect effective suggestions and strategies to adapt to climate change's impact to achieve economic and social progress.
The first NATTA APJC Committee Meeting with the Committee members and NATTA Executive Members was held on 23rd June 2022 at NATTA Secretariat. The meeting was organized to discuss the possible agenda for the upcoming APJC Meeting by IATA scheduled for 6th July. In the meeting, discussion on issues regarding Banking and Remittance, Security deposits of Airlines, Refund issues, double interest payments, defer in payment dates, capping, ADM which are crucial matters for IATA Agents. Before the meeting suggestions were taken from IATA members regarding issues faced via a Questionnaire. Along with Committee Members, the meeting was also attended by NATTA board members President Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Senior VP Mr. Pramod Dahal, Secretary ms. Yubika Bhandari, Treasurer Mr. Raj Kumar Devkota, Joint Treasurer Ms. Geeta Dhakal and Exectuive members Mr. Ram Shovit Nayak, Mr. Nawaraj Bhetual and Mr. Dendi Sherpa. The NATTA APJC Committee Chaired by Secretary General Mr. Kumar Read More
After the formation of the new NATTA Executive (2020-2022), a series of Welcome programs had been hosted. Gurung Tourism Entrepreneur's Association hosted a program on 21st June 2022 in welcoming NATTA Executive Members who were newly elected on 31st March 2022 at 55th AGM and Election. On this occasion, the President of NATTA Mr. Ramesh Thapa expressed gratitude and committed to working jointly for the betterment of the tourism industry.
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) organized a welcome and congratulatory program at its own Secretariat on 15th June 2022 in honor of the Presidents and Office Bearers elected from the recent annual general meeting of the member commodity associations. Office Bearers of NATTA were felicitated on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ramesh Thapa, President of NATTA apprised of the tourism issues and insisted that such issues should be discussed in the tourism committee of the federation.
In an interaction event organised in Hotel Yellow Pagoda by Kathmandu Metropolitan City as a pre-budget discussion for the fiscal year 2079/80 on 15th June 2022, NATTA presented its suggestion to the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Mr. Balendra Shah addressing reasonable and important demands of the tourism sector. Some of the demands of NATTA were put forwarded by NATTA Secretary General Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliyaduring the interaction program. The demands included only leving 50% of the renewal charge at the municipality for the tourism sector as in the previous year, waiving off of the tax of home rent for at least 2 years, a committee to be formed with the involvement of NATTA for the restoration and restructuring of the heritage sites, developing a tourist bus terminal in a suitable location, developing a disabled-friendly structure in every touristic area, creating environment awareness by forming clubs among community schools and Read More
NATTA on 14th June 2022 handed over suggestions and programs with a Budget Plan for the upcoming NTB budget for the F/Y 2079-80, focusing on post-pandemic tourism revival. NATTA forwarded the budget proposal to the Vice Chairman of NTB, Mr. Chandra Rijal and CEO Dr. Dhannjaya Regmi to put up the contents of the suggestions in the Budget & Program of the Nepal Tourism Board comprising regular annual programs of NATTA including all its Provinces to be accomplished.
Kathmandu being a gateway to millions of foreign tourists coming into Nepal is without an appropriate Tourist Bus T A delegation in the leadership of NATTA including NTVA and TBAN jointly met Mr Sanjib Sharma Das, Superintendent of Police, Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office on 13th June and handed over issues and concerns of Tourist Transportation. The concerns included the dire need for a Tourist Bus Terminal in the capital city of Kathmandu terminal. Likewise continuing with our efforts, NATTA including NTVA and TBAN visited the office of the Department of Transport Management and met with Director-General Mr. Namraj Ghimire on 14th June and demanded that the tourist vehicles should have identical number plate while installing embossed number plate. The team also proposed the continuation of a green background number plate with the new embossed number to ensure a different identity and preserve the repute of the tourist vehicles amongst the Read More
To the newly elected Board of two tourism associations Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), NATTA extended its Congratulatory Message to the new Executive Committee. In the felicitations, NATTA expressed its willingness to collaborate with the new Executive Committee Members in every way possible and visit concerned authorities together for the tourism industry.
Province 1 of NATTA, Kakdvitta organized its 10th AGM at Birtamode on 11th June 2022. The AGM was followed by a close session with its members. A special honour was given by NATTA Province 1 together with the Chief Guest of the program NATTA Central President Mr. Ramesh Thapa to Wildlife Photographer and bird researcher Mr. Deven Kharel for finding and documenting one of the rarest species of bird, Rufous-necked hornbill, in Nepal during the occasion. NATTA Central Delegation comprised of Senior VP Mr. Pramod Dahal, Secretary General Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, Secretary Ms. Yubika Bhandari and Executive Members Mr. Parshuram Ghimire and Mr. Namaraj Bhetuwal. NATTA Madhesh Pradesh President Mr. Mohan Sharma, NATTA Gandaki Province team led by President Mr. Hari Ram Adhikari, NATTA Sudurpaschim Province Secretary Mr. Shiva Hari Pandey also participated in the Province 1, NATTA AGM.
On June 09, 2022, NATTA organized an honor and interaction program with the board members of the Nepal Tourism Board, Vice President Mr. Chandra Rijal and Executive Board Members Mr. Ngawa Ngima Sherpa, Mr. Krishna Kumar Shah and Mr. Madan Kumar Acharya at NATTA Secretariat. In the welcome program, the newly appointed Board Members were felicitated by NATTA President Mr. Ramesh Thapa and Executive Members with Bouquet and Khada. After the introduction session between the NATTA Executive committee and NTB Board members, Secretary General Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya presented the specially prepared NATTA Program outline with its Budget requesting NTB to incorporate it in its upcoming annual budget and program. President Mr. Ramesh Thapa thanked the invitees for having their valuable time with NATTA and trusted that the private sector representatives on NTB Board will represent and reflect the private sector's opinion. During the interaction, both NATTA and NTB Executives Read More
On 08th June 2022, Nepal Tourism Board organized a program at Chandragiri Municipality observed by UN Assistant Secretary General and Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja to observe 15 km long foot and cycling trail. The program had the presence of representatives of UNDP Nepal, Local Government representatives and implementing partners. Under the Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project – STLRP, a project of UNDP and Nepal Tourism Board, NATTA had provided short-term employment to more than 320 tourism workers with 3125 man-days. With the view to developing new tourism products, NATTA had also mobilized more than 100 tourism workers with 1090 man-days for the construction of this cycling trail. Speaking on the occasion NATTA Secretary Ms. Yubika Bhandari spoke about the positive impact of the STLRP project for providing short-term employment to tourism workers during the hard times of Read More
NATTA delegation called on the Governor of Nepal Central Bank (Nepal Rastra Bank) Mr. Maha Prasad Adhikari on Tuesday, the 7th June 2022 and apprised him of the current problems being faced by agents specifically post COVID. Issues concerning the Bank Guarantee for Foreign Exchange License, bank loan rescheduling, providing a loan of at least twenty lakh rupees to the SMEs, easy payment system to foreign companies for outbound tour packages, continuing the provision of refinancing facilities, cash back incentives to foreign currency earning companies, ease of exchange provision to the tourist of new emerging markets like Bangladesh, provision of carrying 2500 dollar to the maximum for the Nepalese travellers travelling to Europe and America, ease of renewing the license of tourism companies with coordination between Department of Tourism and Nepal Rastra Bank were discussed upon. These were the pressing issues of travel and tourism trade and NATTA also requested Read More
On 3rd June 2022, the NATTA delegation led by President Mr. Ramesh Thapa met Mr. Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, Director General of the Department of Immigration (GON) in his good office and apprised him of the concerns faced by general members of NATTA during their tourist arrival and departure. The delegation also submitted 10- point Suggestions to the Department that had been collected from the member which includes the facility of evisa with online payment, an efficient Mobile friendly website of the Immigration Department with updated notices, Provision of Retirement Visa to foreigners who wish to stay longer in Nepal and other prominent issues relating to tourism.
On 31st May 2022, the Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA) and the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a noble cause to nationally and professionally cooperate, exchange and promote each other’s tourism potential. The two parties signed the MoU given the ever-growing significance of cooperation between friendly countries Nepal and Philippines Nepal and the Philippines. NATTA President Mr. Ramesh Thapa and Ambassador of the Philippines to Nepal & India, H.E Ramon S Bagatsing Jr in the presence of Honorable Consulate of Philippines Mr. Suraj Vaidya signed the agreement at an event in Kathmandu on the occasion, International Mountaineering Tourism Day.
NATTA mourns the unfortunate news of the crash of the 9N-AET DHC-6-300 Twin Otter plane taken off from Pokhara to Jomsom at 9:55 am on 29th May 2022 that claimed the lives of all the crew members and the passengers on board. NATTA issued a Press Statement sharing its deepest condolences with the bereaving family members and with Tara Air. In the statement, NATTA also demanded for effective criteria and standards in Aviation Security by the concerned departments for the passengers to feel safe, assured and secured while flying in Nepal.
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