NTB hosts ‘Meet and Greet’ with tourism stakeholders, emphasizes collaborationMonday, October 13th, 2025

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a ‘Meet and Greet’ event in Kathmandu on October 12, 2025 under the theme “Current State of Tourism and Strategies for Revival.” The interaction brought together heads and representatives from major tourism associations to discuss collective efforts for the recovery and growth of Nepal’s tourism sector.

During the event, NTB launched a new monthly digital publication titled ‘Tourism Insights’, featuring key data, trends, and global perspectives related to Nepal’s tourism industry. The platform aims to provide policymakers, tourism entrepreneurs, and researchers with clear, data-driven information to support evidence-based decision-making and sustainable tourism development.

Mr. Kabindra Bhatta, Senior Officer at NTB, while presenting, said that the publication includes updated figures on tourist arrivals, key source markets, regional distribution, foreign exchange earnings, and foreign direct investment in tourism. He added that it also incorporates data and trend analyses from international organizations such as the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Speaking on the occasion, NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi expressed confidence that ‘Tourism Insights’ would guide Nepal’s tourism sector toward sustainable growth by providing timely and accurate information. He also highlighted NTB’s ongoing efforts to ensure visitor safety and to position Nepal as a secure and attractive destination in the global market.

NTB Vice Chair Ram Prasad Sapkota underscored the importance of stronger coordination with the private sector and urged the government to better acknowledge tourism’s contribution to the national economy. NTB Member Rishi Bhandari expressed concern that the current government has not prioritized tourism despite its potential and significance.
Similarly, NTB Member and PATA Nepal Chapter Secretary General Narendra Bhatt emphasized the need for long-term strategic planning to strengthen the sector during crises. NTB Member and NATTA President Kumar Thapaliya shared that plans are underway to establish promotional offices in key markets such as India, while also noting that legal challenges have hindered NTB’s effectiveness.

HAN President Binayak Shah highlighted challenges faced by the hotel industry and called for collective problem-solving. Other private sector representatives—including PATA Nepal Chapter President Khem Lakai, TAAN President Sagar Pandey, SOTTO President Man Bahadur Shahi, Rural Tourism Promotion Forum General Secretary Chopendra Khadka, PATA Nepal Chapter CEO Suresh Singh Budal, and CNI Tourism Committee’s Pampha Dhamala—recommended coordinated promotional efforts to position Nepal as a safe destination in global media, invite international influencers, and establish a joint government-private sector taskforce to address current challenges. Mr. Sita Ram Dahal, Sr. Officer, NTB moderated the session.

Please follow and like us: