KATHMANDU: Nepal will be the first international destination of Spicejet, India’s low-cost airline operator. The announcement about this was made during the Indian Travel and Trade Fair, Chennai.

Zenith Travel has already been appointed the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Spicejet with immediate effect. During the Chennai TTF, Nepal also got the most Integrated Presentation Award.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in cooperation with private travel trade companies recently participated in the TTF that was held at Raja Muthiah and Rani Meyyammai Halls, Egmore, Chennai from January 8 -10. The fair, organized by Fairfest Media Limited was supported by the Indian Ministry of Tourism and travel trade bodies like PATA. Nepal’s stall bagged “Most Integrated Presentation Award”.

The interest among potential visitors to visit Nepal has diversified in recent days as the younger generation likes to visit for various activities such as cultural tours, study tours, adventure activities and also as honeymooners.

According to NTB, the three-day fair was helpful in disseminating tourism information about Nepal to the consumers and in facilitating interaction with new and existing tour operators and local media as well. Nepal with its slogan “Naturally Nepal - Once Is Not Enough” was showcased before Indian tourists with various tourism packages offered by participating Nepalese tour operators. The message of the government-led national tourism campaign ‘Nepal Tourism Year 2011’ was highlighted during the entire fair through interactions, interviews and visual displays in Nepal’s stall. A large number of vistors came to the TTF.

visitors were especially interested in different travel packages offered by Nepali tourism entrepreneurs with focus on religious tours to Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Muktinath temple in Mustang, and pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal. People were also curious about Janakpur and Pokhara.

Most of the queries made by visitors related to entry permits and airfare. Many said they felt it was too expensive to visit Nepal. People were also concerned about the political instability in the country. Queries were also made about Nepal Tourism Year 2011 with much interest.