The national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) conducted an ‘operational performance test flight’ to Gautam Buddha International Airport which serves as the country’s second International Airport on 28th April 2022. The NAC A330 wide-body aircraft took off from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 5 pm and landed at the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa at 5:55 pm. NATTA Executives had also been invited to the Test Flight by Nepal Airlines Corporation and participated in the delegation of the test flight. The test flight by the wide-body Airbus at the country’s other international airport built after 74 years of the establishment of the first one is said to be historic. According to CAAN, domestic airports in Terai as well as Gautam Buddha International Airport are coming into operation for 18 hours daily. Similarly, international commercial flights would be operated at Gautam Buddha International Airport for 24 hours from upcoming Read More
In the initiation of NATTA, a letter was handed over to the Environment Department of Kathmandu Metropolitan City on 28th April for installing a mobile toilet in Sorakhutte, where Tourist Buses pick up the passengers. NATTA Secretary General Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya and Executive Member Mr. Dhaknath Kafle along with Mr. Milan Nepal of TBAN met with Ms. Sarita Rai, Chief of the Department to deliver the letter.
A joint meeting was held between representatives of Domestic Airlines of Nepal and NATTA Executives chaired by President Mr. Ramesh Thapa at the NATTA Secretariat on 26th April 2022. The meeting was an introductory meeting after the Election of the New NATTA Executive Committee. The meeting discussed the second edition of BITM and possible cooperation from the Domestic Airlines operating in Nepal. Also, the meeting discussed some of the rising technical issues such as esewa, Credit System to Agents, Lukla Airport and many more. Domestic Airlines Representatives were from Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Saurya Airlines, Shree and Summit Air. The meeting had the presence of Senior Vice President Mr. Pramod Dahal, Treasurer Mr. Raj Kumar Devkota, Executive Member Mr. Dendi Sherpa, CEO Mr. Uttam Prasad Devkota and COO Ms. Shradha Chhetri.
NATTA called on for the Joint Meeting with Presidents of tourism umbrella associations; HAN, TAAN, NMA, NARA, NATO, PATA, SOTTO, NTVA and TBAN on 26th April 2022 at NATTA Secretariat. The meeting started with the introduction session of New Executive Members and participated Presidents of invited Tourism Organisations. The joint meeting focused mainly on immediate actions for the survival of the tourism industry, reviving the 'One Voice for Tourism' solidarity as well as reviving the Secretary General Club of all the Associations. Also in the meeting, the Associations agreed to put forward concerns like; emphasis on digitalization in marketing strategies, and work in close coordination with Government and Nepal Tourism Board. A white paper was decided to be prepared on the challenges created by pandemic situations, infrastructure and others. Presidents also expressed their gratitude and commitment to work jointly in every way possible and visit concerned authorities together for the Read More
FNCCI invited all its Commodity Member Associations for the Preparatory Budget Program with the Revenue Consultation Committee, Government of Nepal on 26th April 2022 at FNCCI Secretariat, Teku. Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, Secretary General of NATTA participated in the interaction. Mr. Thapaliya put forwarded certain suggestions to be implemented for the upcoming Budget of the Fiscal Year 2079/80. NATTA compiled all the suggestions and presented them to FNCCI. The suggestions were; refinancing should be continued for at least 5 years by Nepal Rastra Bank, a policy of 10 percent cashback incentive to be given to the agents who have contributed to importing foreign currencies in Nepal, increment of the investment in the maintenance of the infrastructure of country and many more.
NATTA issuing a Press Release has strongly objected to the Government’s decision to increase airport service charges to Rs 3,000 per passenger. This increase in tariff is likely to adversely affect the Nepalese tourism industry which is gradually picking up its pace following the COVID-19 pandemic. NATTA has demanded an immediate reversal of the Government's decision and that such decisions should not be taken without consultation with all the stakeholders.
After the Department of Immigration issued a notice for travellers to Nepal to carry $200 in cash to pay for their on-arrival visa at the airport, there had been several criticisms. It was stated that the single ATM at Tribhuvan International Airport does not accept certain cards, and it is a good idea to carry cash. NATTA together with other tourism associations also issued a statement disagreeing with the Statement of Immigration as it will create an extra hassle for the travellers. Nevertheless, the Department of Immigration backed off from its decision to ask tourists to bring cash to obtain on-arrival visas after the disapproval from all the places. Rastriya Banijya Bank installed two ATMs and two POS machines to facilitate tourists after the decision courted a strong backlash.
Regarding the training to be provided to members of NATTA, a meeting was held with the representative of PUM, Netherlands, Mrs. Lajali Bajracharya regarding exploring the several possibilities of training the tourism professionals on 21st April 2022. The physical training shall be organized on various Subjects; Digital Marketing Training, Promotional Skills, and Sales Marketing with the Senior Experts from the Netherlands. Present in the meetings were President Mr. Ramesh Thapa, Secretary and Chairperson, Training & Development Committee Ms. Yubika Bhandari, Executive Member Mr. Dendi Sherpa and Mr. Bishnu Pandey.
Tourism Authority of Thailand on 20th April launched its “Visit Thailand in 2022: Amazing New Chapters” campaign in Nepal in a bid to attract affluent Nepali tourists to the land of white elephants. The authority launched its latest tourism initiative to create awareness amongst Nepalese Travel Agents regarding new regulations and procedures to visit Thailand. Thai Ambassador to Nepal, His Excellency Mr. Vosita Vorasaph at the launch informed that Thailand has been reopened with most of the travel restrictions removed from April 1. The Tourism Authority of Thailand said that fully vaccinated travellers from any country are allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine. However, visitors will have to be fully vaccinated for more than 14 days before travelling, must book a hotel for one day while waiting for the result of the PCR test report and must possess Covid-19 insurance policy with coverage of no less than $20,000. Travellers will Read More
Various necessary NATTA Committees have been formed to ease the solution to the ever-increasing responsibilities of the associations: 1. National and International Promotion Committee Mr. Pramod Dahal 2. IR & VAT Committee Mr. Pramod Dahal 3. China Tour Promotion Committee Mr. Varun Mehta 4. APJC Committee Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya 5. Media, PR & Govt Coordination Committee Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya 6. Tour, Heritage & Culture Committee Ms. Yubika Bhandari 7. Research, Training & Development Committee Ms. Yubika Bhandari 8. Banking, Finance & Resource Management Committee Mr. Raj Kumar Devkota 9. Budget Airlines Committee Ms. Geeta Dhakal 10. Sports & Entertainment Committee Mr. Dendi Sherpa 11. Transport & Hotel Coordination Committee Mr. Dhaknath Kafle 12. Membership Committee Ms. Sabala Bhandari 13. Domestic Airlines Promotion Committee Mr. Namaraj Bhetuwal 14. Printing & Publication Committee Ms. Shradha Joshi 15. BIMSTEC Countries Promotion Committee Mr. Bishnu Pandey 16. Membership Feedback & Solution Committee Read More
The newly elected NATTA Executive Committee took part in the 27th AGM and 12th Election of NATTA Gandaki Province which was held on 18th April 2022. The Newly Elected Executive Committee of NATTA Gandaki Province was elected under the leadership of Mr. Hariram Adhikari. Similarly, Mr. Kishore Dahal was elected as First Vice President, Ms. Kamala Giri as Second Vice President while Ms. Sangita Paudel was elected as General Secretary, Mr. Chetan Karki as Secretary, Mr. Nawaraj Bhandari as Treasurer, Mr. Subash Pahari as Joint Treasurer. Likewise, Mr. Sandip Shrestha, Mr. Tara Prasad Gautam, Ms. Sushila Sigdel, Mr. Khim Bahadur Nepali, Mr. Ganesh Pokhrel, Mr. Tulbahadur Gurung and Mr. Ratnaraj Regmi were elected as Executive Members of the NATTA Gandaki Province. The delegation from the NATTA Central was led by President Mr. Ramesh Thapa. Representatives from NATTA Kakadvitta Province, Sudurpaschim Province, Lumbini Province and NATTA Palpa & Banke Chapters also Read More
Past President Council Meeting was held on 17th April 2022 at the Secretariat of NATTA. In the meeting, besides NATTA President, Senior Vice President and Secretary General were also present as Invitee Members. At the very first meeting after the election, Past Presidents welcomed the newly elected Executive Committee. President Mr. Ramesh Thapa apprised the Presidents about the Working Plans that have been prepared which include the concerns of IATA Payment, VAT/Tax, Foreign Exchange, BITM, National Carrier/Airport/Infrastructure/Tourist Bus Park and many more. Convener of Council and Former Presidents expressed their best wishes along with suggestions and ideas to be implemented the soonest possible in our tourism industry.
The 56th Annual General Meeting of the Federal of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI) was held at Hotel Soaltee on April 10th and 11th, 2022. The Member Associations from different Provinces and Sectors contributing to the trade were awarded on the occasion. Past Presidents and Executives of FNCCI, Government Officials, Members of the Association and Media Personnel were present at the 2 day long event. A panel discussion was organized with the presence of Government officials and FNCCI Executives to discuss on Challenges and Possibilities of Foreign Investment, Competition in the Nepalese Production Industry. NATTA President Mr. Ramesh Thapa and Immediate Past President Mr. Achyut Guragain participated in the Annual General Meeting.
The Far West Travel Mart was organized from 7th to 10th April to promote existing and potential tourism products and activities of Sudurpaschim Province (Far-West) of Nepal in Dhangadhi Sub Metropolitan City. The 3-day Mart, promoted with the brand “Beautiful Far-West: Shukla to Api Saipal”, was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale on Friday, 8th April 2022. More than 60 tour operators and media representatives from Delhi, Nainital, Rudrapur and other border cities of India participated in the Mart. Altogether 25 stalls were put up by Tour Operators, Hoteliers, Airline Operators and representatives from Provinces and Districts of the Far West. The Mart also had pavilions reflecting the tourist attractions of seven provinces, stalls of nine districts as well as attractive stalls of tour operators, hoteliers and tourism service providers. During the program, tour packages were exchanged among the tourism business representatives Read More
The first meeting of the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) 2022 Main Organizing Committee was held at Nepal Tourism Board on 10th April 2022 which was chaired by Joint Secretary of MoCTCA, Mr. Buddhi Sagar. The meeting had the presence of the Presidents of various Tourism Associations who are members of the Main organizing committee. Senior VP of NATTA, Mr. Pramod Dahal has been nominated as the Member Secretary of Buddhist International Travel Mart 2022. A PowerPoint presentation regarding the updates and plans for BITM 2022 was presented at the Meeting. NATTA President Mr. Ramesh Thapa and IPP Mr. Achyut Guragain shed light on the BITM and said that the continual organization of BITM will be a milestone for Nepalese tourism, especially Spiritual Tourism. Committee members from different organizations suggested certain focuses and assured support from their side in making this event successful. This event will be the first International Read More
NATTA delegation led by President Mr. Ramesh Thapa had a courtesy visit to the Honorable Tourism Minister, MoCTCA Mr. Prem Bahadur Ale. In the meeting, the NATTA delegation apprised about the upcoming Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) and requested support from the Government in making the nation's event fruitful and successful. Hon'ble Minister assured for his support and showed eagerness to work together in BITM which can be an effective tool for the revival of the tourism industry after COVID along with the progress and development of the entire Nepal Tourism industry.
An interaction program was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism from Bagmati Province inviting all the major tourism associations of Nepal on 4th April 2022 at Hotel Yellow Pagoda. The interaction was organized to discuss the prospects, challenges, upcoming plans & policies for the tourism industry. NATTA as well submitted the suggestions to the Ministry for the productive results of the industry. Some of the suggestions included: To shift the Valley Tourism Office to an easily accessible location Continue refinancing services to the tourism industry Initiate the Travel Holiday program as declared by the Government in coordination with registered travel agents Separate Embossed Number Plate to be given to Tourist Vehicle Give importance to the Cultural and Heritage sites in their management and preservation Organize different Skill Development Training Update the tourism entrepreneurs about the suggestions given to the Ministry and continue the interactions for the implementation and resolve the Read More
The 2nd Annual General Meeting and Election of Banke Chapter was held at Banke on 2nd April 2022. Along with Annual General Meeting, Election was held unanimously under the leadership of Mr. Shreeram Sigdel. Adding, Mr. Dilliraj Regmi as Vice President, Mr. Jhabilal Sharma as General Secretary, Mr. Bhagiram Oli as Secretary, Mr. Ram Bahadur Shrestha as Treasurer, Mr. Paras Shah as Joint Treasurer were announced. NATTA Immediate Past President Mr. Achyut Guragain was present at the AGM and Election representing NATTA Central.
The 55th Annual General Meeting and Election of the New Executive Committee of Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) was held on the 31st March 2022 at Hotel Radisson in Kathmandu. At the inaugural Ceremony, Awards for several categories were distributed to the awardees. 25 Years of Award for the twenty-five years of continued affiliation with NATTA were awarded to Sunny Travel Services Pvt. Ltd., Heritage Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Visit Nepal Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd., Trips Out Pvt. Ltd., Rising Travels Pvt. Ltd. A special award was given to IPP Mr. CN Pandey for his perseverance resulting in productiveness to NATTA. Admin Manager of NATTA Ms. Urmila Maharjan was conferred with a Letter of Appreciation for her two decade long dedicated commitment to the NATTA Secretariat. Ms. Maharjan also received a special gold coin from NATTA. Felicitation was given to Ms. Yubika Bhandari, Joint Treasurer in Read More
On 30th March 2022, NATTA XXIII Convention was held at Radisson Hotel Kathmandu. The theme of the celebration was "Rejuvenating Through Spiritual Tourism" to bring a special focus on spiritual tourism. In addition, NATTA also organized a preparatory event for Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM). The event was organized as a preparation for the second edition of BITM going to be held at the end of May 2022. The event organized together with the Convention was conducted to publicize and familiarize it with a wider network of tourism industry around the world. Honorable Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Prem Bahadur Ale inaugurated the XXIII Convention and BITM Preparatory Event amidst the presence of national dignitaries, diplomats, media personalities, high ranking Government Officials, dignitaries from International and National Airlines, Presidents of Tourism Associations, Past Presidents, NATTA Executives from Provinces and Office Bearers of NATTA, members from tourism fraternity, Read More
