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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter successfully concluded its 45th Annual General Meeting on June 6, 2024, at Park Village Resort, marking a significant milestone under the theme “Nepal Tourism 2.0: Charting the Future Course.” The AGM, a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the tourism sector, witnessed the unanimous appointment of the new Executive Committee, signaling a new era of leadership and vision for Nepal's tourism industry.
Leading the charge as the newly appointed Chairman is Mr. Khem Raj Lakai, CEO of the Global Academy of Tourism & Hospitality Education (GATE).Upon his appointment, Mr. Lakai expressed “I am deeply honored and humbled by this opportunity. It is with profound gratitude and a great sense of responsibility that I step into the role of chairman of PATA. Being entrusted with the legacy of this esteemed institution is a privilege. My association with PATA spans several years, be it as a board of trustee of the PATA Foundation, or PATA HQ elected Board member, including extensive service within the PATA Nepal Chapter. I am delighted to announce that the PATA Nepal Chapter is celebrating its 49th anniversary. I want to honor the memory of our founding father, the late Mr. Prabahakar SJB Rana, who brought this wonderful organization to Nepal and continuously nurtured by amazing leaders of our industry. His vision of connecting Nepal to the world now rests on our shoulders. Unity is crucial for Nepal in all spectrum of professions, and we cannot afford to delay. Once united, we can transform the narrative of our beautiful nation and inspire the world. On behalf of the new executive committee, I pledge tothe entire tourism community to join forces and realize our shared dream through tourism.”
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The newly elected Executive Committee comprises experienced industry professionals dedicated to steering PATA Nepal Chapter towards sustainable growth and development. Notable appointments include General Secretary - Mr. Narendra dev Bhatta (Managing Director – Heritage Tours & Travel), Hon. Treasurer – Ms. Reetal Rana (Managing Director – Mid Valley International College). Other Executive Members include Ms. Lakhpa Phuti Sherpa (Founder – Luxury DMC Travel), Mr. Rupesh Joshi (Director –Buddha Air), Mr. Binod Adhikari (Director – Aarya village Travels), Mr. Sunil Bahadur Bhattrai (Executive Director – Busy Bee Cafe), Mr. Himmat Puri (Director – Destinago Tours & Travel), Sarita Lama (MD – Off The wall Trekking) and Ms. Tenzing Peyang Lama (Director – Hotel Lhasa International (Dusit Princess Kathmandu). During the AGM, PATA Nepal Chapter also elected 4 Proxy Members to its Executive Committee including Dr. Smritee Kala Pant (Head of BHM/BHTM- Little Angels’ College of Management), Mr. Prakash Chandra Lohani (Chairman-Alpine Rescue Service), Mr. Suman Ghimire (Executive Director-Jungle Safari lodge), and Ms. Imu Regmi (Director –Basera Boutique Hotel). Along with that, The Executive Committee also comprises 4 Ex official members including Director General - Department of Tourism, Director General - Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal), Corporate Director - Nepal Airlines, and Representative of Nepal Tourism Board.
During the Function and Annual Award Presentation Ceremony in the evening of the AGM, PATA Nepal Chapter presented prestigious awards upon outstanding individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector. Ms. Ambica Shrestha(President of Dwarika's Hotels & Resorts) and Mr. Shyam Bahadur Pandey (Founder of Hotel Shangrila) were honored with the prestigious “PATA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024,” recognizing their decades-long dedication and leadership. Mr. Lakpa Sonam Sherpa (Chairman of Yeti Group) received the esteemed “PATA Tourism Trailblazer Award 2024” for his pioneering initiatives, while Mr. Bharat Basnet (Founder of Explore Nepal) was celebrated as the “PATA Personality of the Year 2024” for his unwavering commitment to promoting Nepal as a premier tourist destination. Additionally, Mr. Narendra Deo Bhatta (Founder of Heritage Tours and Travels) was honored with the “PATA Special Contribution Award 2024” for his remarkable efforts in advancing the tourism sector, while The Premiere Hotel School, Itahari, was honored with the “PATA Best Student Chapter of the Year 2023” Award, emphasizing the importance of nurturing future leaders in the industry.
The AGM also featured an enlightening keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt (Founder of Meaningful Tourism Center) on “Nepal Tourism 2.0,sharing the manifesto of outcomes from the Experts Roundtable Meet organized by the PATA Nepal Chapter on June 5, 2024. On behalf of the Meaningful Tourism Center based in Germany, he presented the Meaningful Tourism Award (Gold) to the Community Homestay Network, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, and KGH Group of Hotels and Resorts. Similarly, the Nepal Academy of Tourism & Hotel Management received the Meaningful Tourism Award (Silver), while the Nepal Airlines Corporation and Hotel Himalaya received the Meaningful Tourism Award (Bronze).
The Chief Guest, Honorable Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, commended the unity demonstrated by PATA Nepal Chapter. He shared the Government’s target of attracting 1.6 million tourists in 2024 and invited the private sector to introduce new and creative tourism products in international source markets to boost tourist influx. Additionally, he committed to working towards removing VAT on air tickets and other unnecessary taxes in tourism to encourage and enhance the highly potential and rewarding tourism sector.
Outgoing Chairman Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur expressed gratitude to all the members and stakeholders for their unwavering support and urged continued collaboration towards realizing the full potential of Nepal’s tourism industry.
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