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| TIMS to be implemented from January 1 |
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An agreement has been signed between Nepal Tourism Board(NTB) and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal(TAAN) with an objective of maintaining the database of trekkers and discouraging illegal operation in trekking business to implement the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) from 1st January 2008.
As per the provision, all trekkers should have the valid TIMS Certificate that is distributed free of charge by the TIMS counters of NTB and TAAN. Nepal Tourism Board will provide TIMS Certificate free of cost to both trekkers who wish to go to trekking through government registered trekking companies and individual trekkers(FIT).
As per agreement, TAAN would use the offices of all its member agents as TIMS Counter. Trekking agencies that aren't affiliated with TAAN, however, have to get TIMS certificates from either TAAN Secretariat or NTB. Similarly, TAAN's Pokhara Chapter member agencies of TAAN Pokhara Chapter would distribute TIMS Certificate in Pokhara.
It is believed that the database will become useful to rescue the trekkers during the emergencies and it will also help us to ascertain the number of trekkers in a particular trekking route.
TIMS Certificate can be obtained from NTB Office, Bhrikutimandap, NTB Office Pokhara, Belahia-Bhairahawa, Gadda Chauki- Mahendranagar, Kakarvitta and other designated counters by NTB in future. |
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| EBC of Nepal tops Asia's first 11 tourist destinations |
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Venture Magazine published by a UK Based Kumuka Worldwide, a leading company specialising in worldwide adventure tours for more than 23 years has enlisted Everest Base Camp (EBC) of Nepal in top of their list of Asia's First 11 tourist destinations. EBC, Nepal, precedes other destinations such as Lhasa(Tibet). The Taj Mahal(India), Kettuvalom Cruising(India), Benotta Beach( Sri Lanka) and The Great Wall of China which are respectively on the list in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 8th spots.
Trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp, offers a unique vacation, also Listed in UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, home of Sherpa Peoples and Stunning Mountain Views, the region boasts some of the most extraordinary high mountain scenery on earth.
Venture Magazine writes about Everest Base Camp, "Trekking to Everest isn't just for mountaineers: the fit will find it a life-changing experience. Kumuka's 'Base Camp Trek' puts the world's greatest mountain in perspective, exploring Kathmandu and taking the time to meander through the Sherpa people's homeland, with porters to take the strain of heavy luggage and simple, atmospheric tea-house accommodation. Three weeks on the 'Roof of the World' finishes all-too-quickly, with a spectacular flight from Lukla.
Commenting on Asia's first 11, the Venture Magazine says," Asia has a wealth of riches, among them the world's highest mountains, the oldest civilizations and an unsurpassed biodiversity. From such abundance we have picked a team of attractions that should make it on every traveller's wishlist. We cn take you to all of them. But how many have you seen?"
Venture Magazine was distributed in Daily Telegraph Adventure Travel Show (ATS) held in Olympia, London from 12 to 14th January 2007.
Prior to this accolade Nepal is also honored by Wanderlust Travel Award 2001, UK. It has kept Nepal in Second Position in the Top Country Category. Similarly, Modern Maturity (Sep/Oct 2001), America's largest circulated magazine has declared The Annapurna Trail-one of the best 12 walks in the world; Observer Travel Award 2002, UK has declared Nepal Favorite Long Haul Destination; Lonely Planet has pictured Nepal as the country with some of the best walking trails on earth and BBC Holidays has kept Nepal in the list of 50 places to see before you die. |
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| Discussion on New Tourism Campaign held |
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In order to capitalise the positive affect shown by the tourist arrivals in 2007, a meeting was organised on January 6, 2008 at the Ministry of for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation under the chairmanship of Hon'ble Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung to explore the new avenue for tourism industry in the changed context of Nepal. The meeting was attended by the president of various travel trade associations and high government officials.
In the meeting various issues were discussed pertaining to tourism infrastructure, safety and security of tourists and celebrating special campaign for tourism. It was also discussed in the meeting urging the government to provide high priority to the tourism and tourism related campaign. Addressing the meeting Minister Gurung said that the government would announce the tourism campaign after doing proper homework in appropriate time. He also stressed there should be the synergy between tourism and overall development of the country.
Analyzing the pros and cons of tourism campaign, the Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Leela Mani Poudel requested all tourism related associations to come up with proper homework for new tourism campaign for further discussion. Sharing his experience of the past, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha said that it is necessary to imbibe the target, objectives and results of Visit Nepal Year '98 while declaring the new tourism campaign setting new indicators for its successful implementation. |
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| PM Koirala assured full cooperation to tourism industry |
Press Release
December 17, 2007 |
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A delegation of Nepal's travel trade industry led by Nepal Tourism Board made a courtesy call to Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala today and apprised him of current happenings in Nepal's tourism industry.
Responding the various questions put forward by the delegation members, Prime Minister Koirala said that there is a need of expansion of present airport to sustain the load of new airlines as it takes time to build new airport outside Kathmandu. He also said that he was concerned with problems faced by the tourists and locals alike at Tribhuvan International Airport. Asked about the current political stance of the government on tourism, he said, "I would like to assure you that the Election of Constituent Assembly will be held soon and once we announce it the problems that we see now in different parts of Nepal will be streamlined. Many countries are interested to cooperate us in tourism. We have to capitalise it. Once there is peace and stability in the country, there will be huge investment on tourism." Prime Minister also expressed his desire to make Kathmandu –a pollution free city preserving its heritage sites. He was in opinion of strengthening Nepal Airlines with the investment by private sector.
Earlier, Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board briefed the Prime Minister about positive trends of Nepal's tourism like surge in tourist arrivals, operation of new airlines, travellers' confidence on Nepal and requested him to put tourism in the national priority. Mr. Shrestha further explained about lack of air seat capacity, mismanagement of airport and social disturbance like road blockage and chakka jam.
The members of delegation were Mr. Ram Kazi Khone, President of Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents, Mr. Jyoti Adhikari, President of Trekking Agents Association of Nepal, Mr. Shikher Prasai, Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter, Mr. B.K. Shrestha, Vice President of Hotel Association Nepal, Mr. Surya Joshi, President of Nepal Association of Rafting Agents, Mr. Basanta Raj Mishra, President of Nepal Association of Tour, Mr. Kumar Ranabhat of Vice President Himalayan Rescue Association, Mr. Rameshwore Sapkota, President of Association of Trans-Himalayan Tour Operators of Nepal and Mr. Sarad Pradhan, Media Consultant, Nepal Tourism Board. They briefed Prime Minister Koirala about the problems and requested him to take necessary action to solve it for the betterment of tourism industry in Nepal. |
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| TAAN observes Condolence Meet: |
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Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized a condolence meet on January 15, 2008 in memory of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first summiteer of Mt. Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary was also the honorary member of TAAN.
Before the condolence meet, a joint prayer was organized as per the Buddhist and Hindus tradition where Lamas and Batuks chanted sacred Mantras for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Prithvi Subba Gurung said that the Ministry would take proposal to the Cabinet Meeting to name Lukla Airport as Tenzing-Hillary Airport. 'The Ministry is positive on TAAN's call to set up Tenzing-Hillary International Everest Award carrying a purse of US$ 25,000. I will take the proposal in the coming cabinet meeting,' Minister Gurung added. He also said that the statues of Tenzing and Hillary would be set up at the premises of International Mountain Museum in Pokhara. 'We are committed to continue the humanitarian and environmental activities initiated by Sir Edmund. It would be a fitting tribute to Sir Edmund's contribution,' Mr. Gurung added.
Earlier, president of TAAN Mr. Jyoti Adhikari announced different awards in the memory of Tenzing and Hillary and called upon the entire tourism industry for their support. 'The first ascent of Mt. Everest helped Nepal open up to the rest of the world. This day holds special mention in our industry. I propose the entire industry to commemorate the day as International Everest Day by organizing different activities throughout the country,' Mr. Adhikari said. Adhikari also requested the government to establish Tenzing-Hillary International Everest Award in the memory of the first summiteers on Mt. Everest.
In the condolence meet, TAAN announced Hillary-Tenzing Reporters/Photographer Award, Hillary-Tenzing Documentary Award and Hillary-Tenzing Research and Thesis Award in the memory of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. The first two awards carry the purse of Rs. 50,000 while the third award carries Rs. 25,000 each for two persons.
Mr. Jamling Norgay Sherpa, son of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, said that Hillary was a father figure to the Sherpa community. 'Apart from just being a mountaineer, Hillary was a great humanitarian, Sherpa said.
Sending her message to the condolence meet, Miss Elizabeth Hawley, executive director of Himalayan Trust, said that the loss of Sir Emund has been felt all over the world.
Sir Edmund Hillary passed away at a hospital in Auckland, New Zealand on January 10, 2008, at 88.
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| "Send Home A Friend" Campaign launched in London |
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Press Release November 18, 2007
Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Prithivi Subba Gurung launched the " Send Home A Friend" tourism promotional program amidst a huge gatherings of Non Resident Nepaleses(NRN), media and trade at the Nepal Embassy, London on November 17, 2007. The campaign is the joint initiative of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal Tourism Board in close association with Non-Resident Nepali diasporas aimed at boosting the tourist arrivals to Nepal. The campaign was formally launched on 3rd NRN Conference in Kathmandu from Oct. 15 to 17, 2007 by the Government of Nepal and NTB. The campaign is aimed at encouraging the NRNs in the UK to send their friends to Nepal, capitalizing the promotion of Nepal through 'Word of Mouth', building a bond of new relationship between Nepalese and visiting British/European friends to Nepal and thus contributing in promoting Nepal among the British visitors.
Honorable Minister Gurung said that Government of Nepal has brought this special campaign to promote tourism as it is one of the prioritized sectors of the Nepalis economy. Addressing the NRNs living in UK, he encouraged them to participate actively to make the campaign successful and send as many colleagues and friends as possible to Nepal. He emphasized on the fact that tourism in Nepal does not have to depend on any particular season as it is a year round destination which has a comparative advantage over other competing destinations. He also requested the NRN community to invest in tourism infrastructure development in potential areas which would help diversify tourism products as well as its benefits.
Newly appointed Nepalese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, HE Mr. Murari Raj Sharma pledged his support and commitment to make the campaign a success while welcoming the NRNs to the program. He furthers stressed on the importance of tourism to the development of the country and highlighted the role the Nepali diasporas can play to promote tourism in major source markets around the globe.
Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board made a comprehensive presentation with major highlights on the" Send Home A Friend" campaign. He elaborated on the tourism attractions of Nepal, contribution of tourism to the economy, objectives of the campaign, and its expected outcomes. He put special emphasis on role and responsibilities of the NRN Association to achieve the goals of the campaign and make it a success.
Mr. Ashok Shrestha, President of NRN Chapter, United Kingdom assured active participation of Nepali diasporas in the campaign and stressed that direct air connectivity between UK and Nepal is a crucial factor in brining about the desired results.
In an extensive interaction, the invitees of the program put forth positive comments, feedback and suggestions for the successful implementation of the campaign. They vigorously demanded that Nepal Airlines Corporation be a strong and efficient national carrier for the effective tourism promotion of the country. They unanimously endorsed the campaign and expressed their commitment of active participation.
Mr. Subash Nirola, Sr. Director of NTB thanked all the guests for attending the program, giving valuable suggestions and their commitment of participation.
During the occasion, Honorable Minister Mr. Prithive Subba Gurung felicitated Mr. Dhurba K.C., Honorary PRR of NTB and Mr. Ashok Shrestha, President of NRN Association of the UK for their contribution towards destination promotion of the country.
High ranking officials of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Embassy of Nepal, London and Nepal Tourism Board were also present at the program. |
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| Tourist arrival crosses half million mark.... |
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Buoyed by increasing political stability and good air connectivity in the country, tourist arrival in the year 2007 has crossed the half million mark. A total of 360,350 air travelers in 2007 plus 153,000 visitors via road in the first 11 months of the year was enough to propel total tourist arrival across the half million mark.
Though the South Asian market recorded an unimpressive growth rate, the Asian (49.4%), Europe (38.6%), American (46.8%) and Oceania (40%) recorded an impressive growth rate over the arrival figure of 2006. The Indian market, that contributes over one-third arrivals to Nepal, contributed just 26% in the arrival figure of 2007.
The revival of European and American market is an important achievement in 2007. The European and American markets have been fetching upmarket clientele to Nepal for the last many years.
The year has been a superb year for the tourism industry as all the tourist areas of the country are reportedly flooded with visitors. All major trekking routes of the country and leading destinations outside the Kathmandu Valley received an emphatic growth in 2007. The increase in tourist arrival was ably supported by increasing air connectivity in the country. Nine new international airlines started flying to Nepal in the last 14 months, linking Kathmandu with major regional hubs in the likes of Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Sharajahan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Tourist arrival in 2007 surpassed the arrival figure of 1999 that saw a total of over 491,504 visitors in the country.
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