KATHMANDU, AUGUST 3
"Nepal Sales Mission 2022", organized by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter has concluded on a high note presenting 11 Exhibitors from Nepal and 45 plus Tour Operators from Thailand during the 'B2B Sessions' followed by a Formal Function and Networking Dinner Reception held on 1 August 2022 at Rembrandt Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in Thailand, Nepal Airlines, PATA HQ and PATA Thailand Chapter, Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), SS Group Thailand, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Jawalakhel Group of Industries (JGI) organized its first post-pandemic tourism promotion event overseas in Thailand; taking a delegation of 20 Tourism Professionals comprising PATA Nepal Chapter Executives and Members to participate in the 6th PATA Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF), being held in Songkhla, Thailand from August 2nd to 4th, 2022, the statement issued by PATA Nepal Chapter on Tuesday said.
Bibhuti Chand Thakur, during his welcome remarks, requested all the tourism stakeholders in the public and private sectors to come together to overcome the hardships created by the global pandemic, and promote tourism exchange between the two friendly nations, Nepal and Thailand. He expressed his belief that this Sales Mission in Bangkok has been a timely and productive initiative to support the post-pandemic tourism recovery; promoting the newly built Gautam Buddha Int'l Airport and its new avenues and opportunities for sustainable tourism development.
Ben Montgomery, Chairperson of PATA Thailand Chapter, extended her welcome remarks and best wishes for Nepal's tourism recovery initiatives while Deepak Raj Joshi, Director General of CNI, speaking as a Keynote Speaker about Destination Nepal, shared the in-depth insights about latest updates and the alluring offerings of Nepal as a Lifetime Experience destination. He also shared his expert thoughts on how Thai Travel Agents can benefit from connecting with Nepal.
During the event, Shivek Sachdev – Vice President of Thai Travel Agents Association, appreciated sustainable and environment-friendly initiatives of Nepal and urged his Thai tourism fraternity to extend their support for Nepal's tourism promotion.
Likewise, Hom Prasad Parajuli, Country Manager of Nepal Airlines in Thailand, presented about the easy connectivity, national flag carrier's promotional fare, and special facilitations to Thai Agents.
Meanwhile, Bikram Pandey, Goodwill Ambassador of Lumbini Development Trust, presented about "Connecting Thailand-Nepal through Buddhist Tourism" highlighting the untold journey of Lord Buddha and the prospects of tourism development and touristic products or activities being developed around Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Speaking amidst the august gathering, PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera, highlighted the history and importance for global fraternity of PATA, appreciating the pro-activeness of PATA Nepal Chapter in promotion of Nepal's tourism through collaboration between PATA Chapters in the region. Ortiguera expressed happiness for being able to make her first physical participation for the post-pandemic tourism promotion and assured to leverage PATA's resources and expertise to help boost the recovery of destinations including Nepal and PATA member organizations the world over.
Chief Guest of the program, Ambassador of Nepal to the Kingdom of Thailand, Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, highlighted the attractions of Nepal's tourism and encouraged the Thai Travel Agents and Visitors by assuring the full support of Nepal embassy for visa issuance, necessary information and other cooperation with regard to their travelling to Nepal.
Narendra Deo Bhatta, Executive Committee Member of PATA Nepal, extended his closing remarks with a vote of thanks to all the supporting organizations and all present guests and participants from Nepal and Thailand.
