KATHMANDU: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with Nepal-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Nepali consul general in Stuttgart and five private tourism companies of Nepal participated in the Caravan, Motors and Tourism (CMT 2010) event that was held in Stuttgart, Germany, from January 16 to 24.

The fair was visited by a large number of people, both tour operators and consumers, and it was a good platform to showcase Nepal’s tourism products and attract Germans, said NTB. According to NTB, inquiries about Nepal were encouraging and a number of people showed interest in visiting Nepal.

More than 20 local travel companies were found

selling packages of Nepal. Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sharat Singh Bhandari and mountaineer Reinhold Messner also participated in a press conference organised at the fair.

The Unique Selling

Points (USPs)of Nepal in Germany were Nature, Culture and Adventure as usual. Trekking and hiking were the most inquired about activities by the consumers and tour operators alike.

Nepal’s tourism prospects in the German market has immense future. Germany is one of the top five source markets for Nepal. Despite the economic downturn, the arrival figures from Germany to Nepal increased by 4 per cent in 2009 in comparison to the previous year. More visitors are expected in 2010, thanks to the improved economic situation of Eurozone.

The participating Companies from Nepal were

Saathi Nepal Travels & Tours, Royal Mt. Trekking, Nature Trail Trekking, Om-Mane Trekking and All Nepalese Tea & Coffee Centre.