KATHMANDU: The Responsible Tourism Fringe Meeting held on Tuesday focused on inspiring students from tourism institutes in Kathmandu for responsible travel and also giving them exposure to what is happening in the world of responsible tourism in the present context. This was the first event of its kind to be conducted in Nepal, in line with international events conducted regularly at WTM London and ITB Berlin.

Over 50 individuals, including 17 students and faculty members from three leading tourism institutes — SMSH, NCTTM and NATHM — participated in the event organized by socialtours.com travels and Silver Mountain Institute of Hotel Management. The event is sponsored by Everest Summit Lodges.

Andrew Jones of Sanctuary Resorts, Hong Kong, talked about the need for everyone to have a commitment to make a change and give back to society. Meanwhile, Bharat Basnet of Kantipur Temple Hotel talked the need to respect local traditions and culture. Marcus Cotton of Tiger Mountain, Nepal, spoke about the importance of perseverance and working with local communities, Marianne Heudge of Travel To Care, Denmark, spoke about the need to be trained and having proper education as well as working towards a goal.

Chandra Ale of Initiative Outdoor, Nepal talked about the importance of advanced experimental training to develop leadership skills

Socialtours.com travels is a soft adventure specialist group based in Nepal.