KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 16

To make the aviation sector more consumer-oriented and responsive to the people, while also appreciating the contribution made by the aviation sector in the Nepali tourism sector, a group of tourism enthusiasts have decided to launch the country's first national airlines award titled 'Best Airlines Awards Nepal 2022' in partnership with Nepal Tourism Board, among various other sponsors.

At a press conference organised here today, it was announced that a total of 16 different categories have been fixed for 30 nominees competing in the awards. Three categories have been allotted for Nepali airlines. In 11 categories, the airlines operating international flights from Nepal will compete, while in the remaining two categories, the best will be selected from among various partners who play a role in making air aviation safe and comfortable.

The jury of this award includes Shekhar Golchha, president of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ambika Shrestha, honorary consul of Spain for Nepal; Shreejana Rana, president of Hotel Association Nepal; Praveen Bahadur Pandey, president of SKAL Club of Kathmandu; CN Pandey, former president of Nepal Association of Tours and Travels Agents; Bibhuti Chand Thakur, chairman of PATA-Nepal Chapter; Bed Upreti, CEO of Aviation Museum; Mahesh Swar, CEO of Kantipur Media Group; Anil Keshary Shah, chairperson of Lead Nepal Inc; Arun Chaudhary, chairman of CG Holdings; and Upendra Mahato, founder president of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).

Similarly, Bhola B Thapa, vice-president of the Board of Airlines Representatives in Nepal, Dhananjaya Regmi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, and Deepak K Malhotra, vice-president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce are advisors for the awards.

In order to strengthen the fairness and dignity of this award, the organisers have not taken any kind of financial support, nomination fee, or sponsorship from the airlines and organisations associated with the airline business as a service provider in Nepal.

The award ceremony has been scheduled to take place on December 13 at Hyatt Place, which is also the hospitality partner for the event.

A version of this article appears in the print on November 17, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.