Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 9:

With an aim to reassure that Nepal is a safe destination, tourism professionals from both the government and private sector are gathering today in New Delhi to organise a Nepal Showcase, a confidence building campaign targeted at Indian tourists and other foreigners coming to Nepal via India.

The campaign is being jointly organised by Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), PATA Nepal Chapter and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), with support from the ministry of culture, tourism and civil aviation.

Such a programme at this hour is essential, mainly to counter the distorted messages being spread all over, creating unnecessary confusion for outbound tour operators and incoming tourists, said Basant Raj Mishra, president of NATO.

The Nepali team is scheduled to hold a business-to-business session with Indian tour operators and those foreign tour operators having outlet in India during the event.

A press conference is also planned to apprise concerned people of latest tourism scenario, including the smooth operation of international communications, states a press release issued here by NATO, today.

A total of 12 tourism companies from Nepal are taking part in the programme which is being attended by some 200 tourism professionals, including Indian tour operators and media.

“We have begun a new effort in India, as the Indian market is very important which contributes the largest share of tourists to Nepal,” Mishra said, adding that such activities would help regain the confidence of foreign tour operators and tourists from third countries who have already arrived in India on a long-haul tour to Nepal.

He also informed that similar marketing campaign events to promote tourism in Nepal will be organised in European and American markets in the near future.

The Nepali team includes Tek Bahadur Dangi, chief executive of NTB, Ashok Pokharel, secretary of NATO, Prabin Bahadur Pandey, president of PATA Nepal and Shikher Prasai, executive member of NATO along with other representatives.

The 12 private companies participating in the event include Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Hotel Yak & Yeti, Hotel Annapurna, Hotel Everest, Shangri-La Hotel, Asian Trekking, Dharma Adventures, Himalayan Expedition, Natraj Tours and Travels, Shangri-La Tours, Yeti Travels and Cosmic Air.