Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 13

The 47th International Tourism Exchange (ITBE 2009) started in Berlin, Germany on March 11, with more than 11,000 exhibitors from over 180 nations from around the globe including Nepal participating in the programme. ITBE 2009 will go on till March 15.

Led by Minister

for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with seventeen private tourism entrepreneurs of Nepal is participating in the ITBE 2009.

Speaking on the occasion, Yami shed light on the objectives of Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 that aims to attract one million visitors to Nepal. She also elaborated on various initiatives taken by the government and highlighted incentives offered to the trade sector to attract a million tourists. Minister Yami recalled the contribution of German tourists to Nepal’s economy and requested both the media and tour operators for further impetus to make the NTY 2011 aim a reality.

Ganesh Dhakal, Minister Consular at Nepal’s embassy in Berlin, pledged his embassy’s full cooperation for tourism promotion of the country.

Dil Gurung, Honorary Public Relations Representative of NTB in Germany, said, “It is not only the responsibility of the Nepalese government and NTB to achieve the goals of NTY 2011 but also of all Nepalese living in Nepal and abroad, if we are to make a New Nepal.”

Nepal’s participation at ITB-2009 coincides with the completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Federal Republic of Germany. A high-level business delegation from Nepal is also in Germany to woo counterparts there for investment in tourism, hydropower and carpet sectors.

NTB held a special programme, Naturally Nepal Evening, to promote NTY 2011 and commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with the Federal Republic of Germany on March 11.

NTY 2011 regional committee

KATHMANDU: The first regional committee of Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 has been formed in the far-western region. According to a press statement, Nepal Tourism Board, the Secretariat of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY 2011) extended its work in Dipayal, the regional headquarters of the far-western region on March 11.

Regional administrator Hari Prasad Nepal, , local development officers, chief district officers, chairmen of chambers of commerce & industries of all nine districts in the region, representatives of regional government offices in Dipayal, local representatives of political parties, mediapersons, representatives of community based organisations (CBTO), Khaptad tourism development committee, Baijinath, Saileshwari and Ramarosan development committees and other tourism stakeholders participated in the interaction programme. — HNS