Tourism entrepreneurs’ hectic drive to save the industry helps them to bag many appreciations and awards, if not the tourists. After series of international and regional awards to the personalities involved in the tourism and trade, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is gearing up to revitalise its efforts.

An official at the board said a detail game plan was being prepared to practically support the Singapore declaration of Asia Pacific Tourism Association (PATA) where Nepal had been nominated as a destination for adventure tourism.

He further added that there was a sign of encouragement as three Nepali entrepreneurs were also awarded during the 51st anniversary of PATA held at New Delhi. Everest Express chairman RR Pandey was awarded by PATA chairman John Stanford as the best chairman. Basanta Raj Mishra of Temple Tiger bagged PATA Award while Malla Trek scored PATA Gold Cup award.

PATA Nepal Chapter president Ashok chandra Kharel has been nominated for the PATA Industrial Council for three years term. The conference was attended by 15 thousand tourism traders from 41 countries. Nepal has also been awarded as “most active partner” by South Asian Tourism Exhibition for its extraordinary role and for the expansion of the market.

Encouraged by the results, NTB is preparing to launch a programme targeting Indian tourists once again. “We are thinking to resume the ‘festival of life’ campaign once again,” the source said.

NTB had organised the festival in Ludhiyana and Jayapur to attract Indian tourists in the country. The campaign was suspended following the Royal massacre on July 1 last year. “We will have this festival in all major Indian cities within the end of July,” the source said.

NTB, collaborating with Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) has also planning to run a lottery for the Indians travelling with the country’s national flag holder. The programme called ‘fly and win’ will have prizes like cars, televisions and free stay at different luxury resorts in the country.

“The lottery will be based on the boarding pass numbers of the air-passenger,” the source said.