KATHMANDU: Nepal was highlighted as a premier tourist destination at the FITUR fair 2010 held in Madrid of Spain from January 20 to 24, with the slogan 'Naturally Nepal, Once is not enough'.

The five-day fair was coordinated by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA).

NTB interacted with tour operators, journalists, internet portals, travel televisions, travel magazines and the general public. Prominent travel media were also invited to Nepal for providing publicity coverage to the Spanish market.

Nepal’s stall offered tour packages and travel information to visitors. Some 15 travel trade companies of Nepal participated in the fair. With special facilities in terms of providing Spanish tour guides and aggressive marketing initiatives, Spaniards are sure to rate Nepal as one of their favourite destinations. Most younger generation Spaniards make travel plans

well in advance and prefer

to go to eastern countries with exotic culture like Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.

With Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, Arkefly flying to Kathmandu via Doha, Bangkok and Amsterdam respectively and additional access points from Spain to India, Nepal receives around 14,000 Spanish tourists yearly.