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Nepal has made a significant mark at the 32nd Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) held from May 16 to 18, 2024, at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and seven private sector tourism and hospitality businesses, showcased Nepal’s tourism sector, earning accolades and attracting considerable interest from the Chinese market.
The GITF 2024, spread over 30,000 square meters, drew over 40,000 visitors from China and other international destinations. Nepal’s participation was marked by a series of significant events and recognitions. On the first day, the Nepal Tourism Board delivered a compelling destination promotion presentation to local Chinese visitors and tour operators. The same evening, during the Buyer's Night at the Westin Pazhou, PATA Nepal Chapter was honored with two prestigious awards: the Gold Award for “Overall Performance” from the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) and the “Best Partner” Award from GITF. Additionally, the Nepal Tourism Board received the “Most Popular Cultural Tourism Destination'' Award from GITF, and Jugal Holidays from Nepal clinched the Gold Award for “Product Innovation” from COTRI.
The GITF 2024 Conference on May 17 featured an insightful panel discussion on ‘Sustainable Tourism Offerings of Nepal for Chinese Visitors during the Times of Climate Change.’ The panel included Ms. Lakpa Phuti Sherpa, Executive Member of PATA Nepal Chapter; Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter; and Mr. Kundan Sharma, Officer of NTB. The discussion, moderated by Dr. Timothy Lee, Professor at Macao University of Science and Technology, highlighted Nepal’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Participants from Nepal’s tourism sector expressed their optimism and satisfaction with the fair's outcomes. Mr. Sujit Regmi, Executive Director of Nepal Big Mountain Travel Company, noted the significant interest and inquiries about Nepal at their booth. He emphasized that Nepal’s participation at GITF this year greatly enhanced destination visibility and tourism business promotion.
Mr. Himmat Puri, Executive Director of Destinago Tours & Travels, shared his enthusiasm about attending GITF for the first time, highlighting the reconnection opportunities with Chinese operators and trade visitors. He was particularly pleased with the positive response and interest shown by Chinese participants.
Ms. Neeta Thapa, Director of Sales at Hilton Kathmandu, emphasized the potential of Nepal as a destination for Chinese tourists. She expressed gratitude to PATA Nepal for the opportunity to promote Hilton Kathmandu, the first Hilton brand in Nepal, among Chinese operators and visitors.
Mr. Deepesh KC, General Manager of Hotel Himalaya, described the participation in GITF as a milestone for restarting promotion in the Chinese market. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of PATA Nepal and NTB and suggested that the government should enhance international promotion and marketing programs to tap into the vast potential of the Chinese market. He also advised increasing Nepal’s digital presence on platforms like Ctrip, WeChat, and TikTok.
Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, underscored China’s position as the world’s largest tourism source market. He pointed out that many destinations prioritize China through aggressive marketing and promotion, whereas Nepal’s efforts have been comparatively lower. He recommended that Nepal Tourism Board expand its presence in key Chinese markets and engage in extensive and targeted marketing strategies.
Nepal’s strong showing at GITF 2024 and the awards garnered underscore the country’s potential as a premier destination for Chinese tourists. The collaborative efforts of PATA Nepal, NTB, and private sector businesses have set a solid foundation for increasing Nepal’s tourism market share in China. The positive feedback and interest from Chinese operators and visitors signal a promising future for Nepal’s tourism industry in this critical market.
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