KATHMANDU, MARCH 25 With the aim of fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between the hospitality industry, academia, and graduates, the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) organized the 'Next Generation Tourism and Hospitality Dialogue' in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Welcoming the participants-including Tribhuvan University (TU) Dean, professors, associate professors, panelists, distinguished guests, students, media, and other stakeholders-Ajaya Kumar Dhakal, Principal of NATHM, emphasized the need to understand the concept of next-generation tourism at a time when many graduates are pursuing careers abroad due to limited opportunities at home. Ujjwal Satyal, former Principal of NATHM, Chairman of the Hospitality Subject Committee at Kathmandu University (KU), and Chairman at Shangri La Development Bank, shared his insights on the evolution of tourism from eco-tourism to sustainable, regenerative, and meaningful tourism. 'We have been discussing these issues for a long time, but there remains a gap between academia and industry,' Satyal said.

He further stressed the importance of redefining the curriculum to meet the aspirations of the new generation of workforce, many of whom are seeking opportunities abroad. In his concluding remarks, he addressed fresh graduates directly: 'You may not need Nepal, but Nepal needs you in the future.' Echoing Satyal's sentiments, Avik Jung Bahadur Singh, General Manager of Hotel Crowne Imperial and Executive Director of Operations at Mountain Glory Forest Resort, highlighted pressing industry challenges, including workforce shortages. Singh offered a ray of hope for academia and fresh graduates by announcing plans to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three hospitality colleges to provide internship opportunities and faculty exchange programs, fostering stronger industry-academia collaboration.

Suman Bikram Pandey, Chairman of Explore Himalaya Group and Director of Summit Air, Chhaya Centre, and Aloft Kathmandu Nepal, presented an ambitious vision to attract 6.3 million tourists to Nepal by 2040 and create millions of jobs for Nepalis. Professor Dr. Mahananda Chalise, Dean of the Faculty of Management at TU, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the hospitality sector, stating, 'I am committed to working together to design the best curriculum that addresses the challenges of next-generation tourism and supports the smooth growth of the sector.' The dialogue concluded with a panel discussion on 'Preparing the Next Generation Hospitality Workforce.' Moderator Raja Ram Mahat, Senior Instructor at NATHM, highlighted emerging trends in Nepal's hospitality industry. Ashlesha Karki, Deputy Managing Director of Hotel Mechi, noted, 'We have pioneered hotels in border regions to attract Indian tourists. Tourism trends are shifting rapidly-from mountain tourism to destination weddings-and we must strategically prepare to capitalize on these opportunities.' Other panelists discussed challenges facing fresh graduates. Neha Amatya, Manager of Sales and Marketing at Kora Tours, observed that many graduates are not fully utilizing domestic opportunities due to gaps in soft skills, including low confidence, limited communication and adaptability, lack of curiosity, and insufficient problem-solving abilities. Similarly, Aakash Lama, Instructor at NATHM, emphasized the need for stakeholders to collaborate and develop appropriate guidelines and solutions to meet the aspirations of the next-generation workforce.

In closing remarks, Dibya Raj Pokhrel, Executive Director of NATHM, thanked all speakers, panelists, presenters, and participants. The event was hosted by Satish Mishra.