KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 18

A two-day workshop on 'AI for Tourism & Hospitality Excellence' kicked off in Kathmandu on Monday, bringing together 60 professionals from Nepal's tourism and hospitality sector.

Jointly organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the event is being held at Hotel Yak & Yeti.

PATA Nepal Chapter Chairperson Khem Lakai opened the programme, stressing the growing need for digital and AI skills in Nepal's tourism industry. NTB CEO Dipak Raj Joshi urged participants to utilise the sessions to strengthen marketing and strategic planning through AI-driven insights.

The inaugural session was moderated by PATA Nepal Chapter CEO Suresh Singh Budal. The workshop is led by Prof. Faye Hao of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and covers AI fundamentals, ethics, AI tools, and applications across hotels, airlines, destinations, and MICE operations.

Organisers said the training aims to build a smarter, more resilient tourism ecosystem by enhancing the industry's technological readiness.