Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 17:

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) promoted Nepali tourism at the 35th Edition of the Vakentiebeurs, a Dutch travel trade fair held in Utrecht, the Netherlands, from January 11 to 16.

The grand fair was exhibited over an area of 39,000 sq m and was participated in by 1,600 exhibitors from 106 countries.

NTB had set up a Nepal Pavilion during the six-day long show, which attracted a total of 145,000 visitors, whereas Nepal stand lured some 7,500 visitors.

The Nepal Pavilion situated in Hall 3 was close to the entrance of the rear side of the hall, and was beautifully decorated with some attractive posters, prayer flags and astamangals, which attracted thousands of visitors.

Along with NTB three tourism entrepreneurs namely Nature Trail Trekking and Expedition, Village Tours and Travels, Explore Nepal’s Richa Tours and Travels also showcased their services and products in the fair. According to 2004 tourist arrival data, the number of Dutch people travelling to Nepal was 6,766, which shows a growth of 20 per cent as compared to the year 2003.

However, out of a Dutch population of about 16 million people, 12.8 million people go on holiday. Out of this, 8.3 million Dutch people prefer long haul holidays.

Hence, there is a great scope for more Dutch tourists travelling to Nepal provided good air connectivity and competitive offers.

One of the most remarkable features about Nepal at the show was the screening of a documentary film on Manang. The show was organised by Himalayan Film Society, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

NTB expects the show to create more interest about Nepal in the Netherlands.