Source::
On June 6, 2024, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter held its 45th Annual General Meeting at Park Village Resort, themed “Nepal Tourism 2.0: Charting the Future Course.” The meeting concluded with the unanimous appointment of the new Executive Committee. Mr. Khem Raj Lakai, CEO of the Global Academy of Tourism & Hospitality Education (GATE), was elected as the new Chairman, succeeding Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, who now serves as the Immediate Past Chairman.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Khem Lakai said, “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 to the entire tourism community to join forces and realize our shared dream through tourism.”
The AGM also elected Mr. Narendra Dev Bhatta (Managing Director of Heritage Tours & Travel) as General Secretary and Ms. Reetal Rana (Managing Director of Mid Valley International College) as Hon. Treasurer. Other members of the Executive Committee include Ms. Lakhpa Phuti Sherpa (Founder of Luxury DMC Travel), Mr. Rupesh Joshi (Director of Buddha Air), Mr. Binod Adhikari (Director of Aarya Village Travels), Mr. Sunil Bahadur Bhattarai (Executive Director of Busy Bee Cafe), Mr. Himmat Puri (Director of Destinago Tours & Travel), Ms. Sarita Lama (Managing Director of Off The Wall Trekking), and Ms. Tenzing Peyang Lama (Director of Hotel Lhasa International - Dusit Princess Kathmandu). Additionally, four Proxy Members were elected: Dr. Smritee Kala Pant (Head of BHM/BHTM at Little Angels’ College of Management), Mr. Prakash Chandra Lohani (Chairman of Alpine Rescue Service), Mr. Suman Ghimire (Executive Director of Jungle Safari Lodge), and Ms. Imu Regmi (Director of Basera Boutique Hotel).
The Executive Committee also includes four Ex officio members: Director General of the Department of Tourism, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Corporate Director of Nepal Airlines, and a Representative of the Nepal Tourism Board.
During the evening function and award ceremony, Ms. Ambica Shrestha (President of Dwarika's Hotels & Resorts) and Mr. Shyam Bahadur Pandey (Founder of Hotel Shangrila) were honored with the “PATA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024” for their significant contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry in Nepal. Mr. Lakpa Sonam Sherpa (Chairman of Yeti Group) received the “PATA Tourism Trailblazer Award 2024” for his pioneering efforts in the tourism sector. Mr. Bharat Basnet (Founder of Explore Nepal) was awarded the “PATA Personality of the Year 2024” for his dedication to promoting sustainable tourism in Nepal. Mr. Narendra Deo Bhatta (Founder of Heritage Tours and Travels) was recognized with the “PATA Special Contribution Award 2024” for his commitment to Nepalese tourism.
The Premiere Hotel School in Itahari was awarded the “PATA Best Student Chapter of the Year 2023” for their active participation in PATA Nepal Chapter initiatives. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, Founder of the Meaningful Tourism Center, delivered a keynote speech on “Nepal Tourism 2.0” and presented the Meaningful Tourism Awards. The Community Homestay Network, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, and KGH Group of Hotels and Resorts received the Gold Award, the Nepal Academy of Tourism & Hotel Management received the Silver Award, and Nepal Airlines Corporation and Hotel Himalaya received the Bronze Award.
The Chief Guest, Honorable Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, commended the unity demonstrated by the new Executive Committee and shared the government's target of attracting 1.6 million tourists in 2024. He also highlighted efforts to remove VAT on air tickets and reduce unnecessary taxes to bolster the tourism sector.
Outgoing Chairman Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur thanked all members and stakeholders for their support and called for continued collaboration for the sustainable growth of tourism in Nepal.
Read More
