Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 23:

Travel trade entrepreneurs and experts have suggested that Nepal and its tourism potentials should be marketed vigorously both in the regional and international tourist markets by adopting various gimmicks in the coming years. They expressed the views at a brainstorming session on marketing strategy and action plan for upcoming fiscal year 2062-63 including a five year mid-term plan, organised by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on Wednesday. Participated

by representatives of various travel trade associations as well as prominent tourism entrepreneurs and experts, the programme was very interactive. Many participants suggested that Nepal should be marketed vigorously by adopting various gimmicks, according to NTB. The participants also suggested carrying out consumer confidence building exercises to assure tourists that Nepal is a safe place to travel. Replying to queries raised by the private sector Rajesh Raj Dali, director general of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and member of NTB said the CAAN has recently made some improvements at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to facilitate passengers. “Review of TIA Master Plan is underway. Expansion of domestic departure lounge has been completed. The work of upgrading Bhairahawa Airport as a regional airport has started already, and the upgrading Pokhara Airport is in the process,” he informed.

Ashok Pokharel, member of NTB and convener of tourism marketing and promotion sub-committee at NTB, requested representatives from the private sector to cooperate with NTB to formulate the marketing strategy so that it could benefit Nepali tourism industry at large.

Summing up the session, Tek Bahadur Dangi, chief executive officer of NTB, said there should be one voice from travel trade associations and NTB on the national agenda. He further said bringing journalists from abroad has proved very effective at this juncture for promoting Nepal in a very cost effective manner. Dangi also said that NTB would entrust the responsibility to tourism associations to take a lead in different travel marts. Earlier, Nandini Lahe Thapa, director tourism marketing and promotion and member secretary of the sub-committee, made a presentation on the marketing scenario.