Mid Term Progress of NTY 2011

June 20 Tourism A meet the press program was organized on June 20, 2011 to highlight the progress of Nepal Tourism year 2011 on June 20, 2011. Mr. Yogendra Sakya, the National Coordinator of the Mega Tourism Campaign said tourist arrivals to the country have increased considerably. To meet the target and objectives of NTY 2011, the NTY Programme Implementation Sub-Committee, in coordination with the government and the private sector organized various tourism promotional and infrastructure development programmes, he said.

Adressing the program Mr. Aditya Baral, Member Secretary of Programme Implementation Sub-Committee, NTY 2011 said main achievements of NTY 2011 included an increased inflow of tourists, dissemination of positive message about the country to the international arena and creation of awareness about the importance of tourism among the people living throughout the country. More than 63 fairs and festivals were organized across the country for supporting the national tourism campaign.

During this period, international airlines have also added their frequencies to Nepal and a few new airlines have started flying to the country. Similarly, the NTY 2011 programme implementation committee supported 11 international events including Byran Adams Concert, Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon in Nepal.

Since the introduction of the Home-stay Directives, a total of 164 units of homes-stays in 12 different districts have been registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha, Member Secretary of Main Organizing Committee, NTY 2011 and Chief Executive Officer, NTB said another remarkable task carried out during the NTY 2011 was the upgrading of Tribhuvan International Airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Separate parking for helicopters, black-topping the runway and taxiway, operation of a separate sterile zone with a capacity of 350 passengers among others were also major activities done during the NTY 2011.

Likewise, Ministry of Information and Communications has issued postal stamps commemorating the NTY 2011. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has also issued coins with denomination of Rs. 50 and Rs. 1000 commemorating NTY 2011.

Apart them, the NTY 2011 also promoted and supported many tourism promotional activities abroad in coordination with the Nepal Tourism Board and private sector. Photo Courtesy: nepalnews.com

NTY 2011 in the Spotlight at Nepal Sales Mission to SEA countries

Nepal Sales Mission to South East Asia concluded successfully in Bangkok on 16th June 2011. The Sales Mission which is a joint promotion venture of Nepal Tourism Board, PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Airlines Corporation and the potential Nepalese Travel trade companies.

Nepal Sales Mission to South East Asia started of on 13th Jun in Kuala Lumpur, traveled to Johar Bahru on 14th Jun, finally concluding in Bangkok on16, June 2011. The delegation from Nepalese travel trade included The Everest Hotel Kathmandu, Nepal Dream Travel, Global Holidays, Fish Tail Tours & Travels and the KGH Group of companies. The business session (B2B) organized for the direct interaction among the potential travel and tour operators from Nepal and the South East Asian countries received positive response with significant green signals for increasing the no. for the upcoming holiday season.

While addressing the gathering in Kuala Lumpur, His Excellencey Dr. Rishi Raj Adhikari ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia, assured to initiate the strategic network with the concerned line agencies and airlines for getting more online carriers to quantify the present air connectivity for the Malaysian travelers to Nepal. The Bangkok event of SEA Sales Mission 2011 was graced by His Excellency Naveen Prakash Jung Shah ambassador of Nepal to Kingdom of Thailand. His Excellency in his welcome remarks shared that a significant increase in number of Thai travelers to Nepal in first 5 months of 2011.

Mrs. Ujjwala Dali, Senior Manager – NTB made a comprehensive presentation on NTY 2011 highlighting the theme of “Together for Tourism” followed by multi media on Nepal. The Nepal event in Bangkok was greatly supported by the PATA HQ officials who shared their great experiences of visits to Nepal assuring Thai Tour operators of Nepal’s potential for holiday pleasure.

Bhoto Jatra on June 28

With the beginning of the month-long ritual, the chariot is paraded through the streets of Patan for several weeks. The procession moves to Gabahal, Hakha, Sundhara and many other places in Patan. It is taken to Lagankhel, where it rests for over 4 days, finally to Jawalakhel.

The fourth day of the chariot's arrival at Jawalakhel is celebrated as Bhoto Jatra on Jawalakhel ground. On the day of Bhoto Jatra, that according to Joshi, is scheduled to take place on June 28 a bejeweled bhoto (vest) of Machhendranath is displayed before the public and other dignitaries.

New team in HRA

The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) has completed its election for the new tenure on June 13, 2011 and the new elected executive members are already in the scene under the Chairman Mr. Santa Subba.

The brand-new members of his team are Vice Chairman: Mr. Narendra Deo Bhatta, General Secretary: Kumar Ranabhat, Treasurer: Mr. Prithvi Shrestha. Executive members: Mr. Thukten Sherpa, Mr. Basant B. Hamal, Mr. Jagat Man Lama. Mr. Wangchu Sherpa., Mr. Parsuram Karki, Mr. Kedar KC and Mrs. Manjani Shrestha-Dangol.

HRA is a voluntary non-profit organization having objectives to provide instant relief and casualties in the Nepal Himalayas due to altitude related sickness. It is also a focal organization in tourism crisis management under Nepal Tourism Board.

In this Issue :

Mid Term Progress of NTY 2011

NTY 2011 in the Spotlight at Nepal Sales Mission to SEA countries

Bhoto Jatra on June 28

New team in HRA

Photo Feature