Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 27

The 31st SKAL Asian area assembly concluded ON Sunday in Manila, mandating Nepal to host another meet in Kathmandu, said a press release issued by THE Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) here today.

Last year Nepal had won the bid to host the SKAL Asian Area Assembly. Ambica Shrestha, president of SKAL International Kathmandu, believes that Nepal won the opportunity because it had a better offer including accommodations and programmes, and diverse tourist attractions.

SKAL is a professional organisation of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and fraternity (SKAL stands for a Scandinavian foundation focusing on happiness, good health, friendship and long life), states the release. The organisation organises meet at local, national and international levels to discuss and pursue topics of common interest. SKAL international today has approximately 25,000 members in more than 525 clubs in 80 countries.

As the host country for next year, NTB made a multimedia presentation to the delegates at the General Assembly on May 26. Speaking on the occasion, Pradeep Raj Pandey, CEO of NTB said that Nepal was honored and privileged to hold the next Asian Assembly in Kathmandu in 2003. He also said that Nepal has unparalleled experience, exhilarating and exotic places to please the spirit as well as mind.

“Nepal offers spiritual, cultural and adventure unparalleled experience in the world coupled with friendly and smiling people,” Pandey continued.

According to the communiqué, NTB also hosted a luncheon on the same day, where typical Nepali food was served and promotional collateral including NTB’s award winning CD–ROM was presented to the guests.

Ambica Shrestha, president of SKAL International Kathmandu and Board Member of NTB, Pandey, Prahlad Kunwar, EAM – F&B of Soaltee Crowne Plaza and NTB officer Binita Khadka attended the meeting.