Japan Sales Mission 2012 concluded

Nepal Tourism Board in collaboration with Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air and Cathay Holidays organized the Japan Sales Mission 2012 in Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo on 11th May2012, just after the complication of Korea sales mission in Seoul and Busan. Same team of Nepalese private sectors Shangri-La Tours, Amravati Travels Pvt. Ltd and C&K; Nepal Travel and Tours participated in the Japan Sales Mission 2012.

In the first quarter of Year 2012, Japanese market shows its gradual improvement and promising signs of repossessing in the total arrivals. To accelerate the momentum, private sector took the initiation to mark their presence and explore the new venture in the Japanese market.

Sales mission programme was graced by Japanese former Ambassador to Nepal and President of Japan- Nepal Society Mr. Mitsuaki Kojima and Mr. Tapas Adhikari, Deputy Chief of the Mission at Nepalese Embassy in Japan amidst 50 prominent media and travel trade.

The event started with B2B session of travel trade. Interaction between Nepal/Japan business participants was optimistic in seeing the visitor numbers surge in the coming days.

Mr. Tapas Adhikari welcomed and assured the travel trade partners for the full cooperation of Nepalese Embassy in their ventures. During the program country presentation was made by Mr. Hikmat Singh Ayer, Director, NTB. Main focus of the presentation was on Visit Lumbini Year 2012. He featured Nepal as a gateway to Buddhist Circuit in South Asia and Tibet. Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar can be visited by land after visiting Lumbini- the birth place of Lord Buddha. Presentation was followed by questions and answers from the potential buyers and Media personnels.

Similarly, Cathay Pacific Airways Sales Manager in Tokyo Mr. Shuichi Ueba gave his presentation about companies present flying schedule and future plan to expand more connectivity between Nepal and Japan via Hong Kong. NATOs President Mr Ashok Pokharel gave the vote of thanks to the partner agencies and invited participants of the event.

The participants made queries regarding the Nepal Government campaign Visit Lumbini Year 2012 and its special preparation in Lumbini area. Media personals had shown their keen interest to showcase Nepal if media Fam trips from Nepal is organised.

Young Nepalese environmentalist wins prestigious international award

Dawa Steven Sherpa, 28-year-old mountain guide and adventure pioneer from Nepal, has been awarded the first ever WWF International President’s Award during a special ceremony at global conservation organization WWF’s Annual Conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Now a professional guide, mountaineer and conservation activist in the Himalayan region where he grew up, Dawa Steven Sherpa is a graduate in business administration and heads an adventure trekking company that encourages respect for nature among mountaineers and explorers. He had climbed four 8,000-metre peaks by the age of 24 – including Mount Everest, twice.

The new WWF International President’s Award has been created to acknowledge and encourage outstanding achievements of young people under the age of 30 who are making strong and compelling contributions to nature conservation around the world.

“It is my great pleasure to present this inaugural WWF International President’s Award to such an inspiring and exceptional young individual as Dawa Steven Sherpa – who has already inspired so many to take action to save the planet,” said Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President.

“This new award enables WWF to shine a light on brilliant young people who are working in the field to protect the natural world, and my dearest wish is that it inspires others with the energy and ambition to achieve great heights too. We desperately need young leaders and pioneers in nature conservation. If anyone can inspire others to do their bit for the planet, it is Dawa Steven Sherpa.”

“Dawa Steven was WWF Nepal’s Climate Ambassador under the ‘Climate For Life’ campaign in 2010 in which Dawa joined hands with legendary mountaineer Apa Sherpa to embark on an expedition through 10 European cities to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas,” stated Mr. Anil Manandhar, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. “The WWF International President’s Award to Dawa Steven underscores the potential of today’s youth in Nepal to be the change they want to see,” he added.

Raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Dawahas been organizing successful Eco Everest Expeditions since 2008 – drawing international attention to the impact of climate change on Himalayan people and their environment. His expeditions use solar cookers, and he started a ‘cash for trash’ scheme where climbers are paid to bring garbage back down off the mountain; 15,000kg of waste has been collected since 2008 through the scheme. He also works with local youth to inspire and empower them to become active in mountain protection.

The WWF International President’s Award will be presented annually, and nominations are invited via WWF offices around the world.

Nepal promotional programme held in Rome

The Embassy of Nepal in Geneva organized a special Nepal Promotional Programme in Rome, Italy, on May 15 as part of activities under the economic diplomacy and in cooperation with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Italy and the Honorary Consul of Nepal in Rome. The Embassy of Nepal in Geneva is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Italy.

The programme that included comprehensive audiovisual presentations on different aspects of the economic diplomacy of Nepal, was inaugurated by Shanker D. Bairagi, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations in Geneva, by lighting the traditional Nepalis oil lamp amidst a large gathering of Italian travel agents, tour operators, travel writers, journalists, mountaineers, potential tourists, business community, and representatives of NRNA and other Nepalis organizations.

Speaking at the function, Ambassador Bairagi said that the Government of Nepal has given priority to economic diplomacy in its external relations and that securing an enhanced flow of ODA, promoting Nepal's exports, attracting foreign direct investment and technology in productive sectors, promoting tourism and securing overseas employment opportunities for the Nepalese workers are among the key components of the economy diplomacy. He stated that organizing Nepal promotion event in Italy was very important from Nepal's overall relationship with European Union member states which together constitute the largest source of Official Development Assistance, one of the largest trading partners as well as one of the largest sources of tourists origin. He expressed the hope that with the appointment of new honorary consul in Rome, economic and commercial ties between the two countries would be further strengthened.

He also highlighted the tremendous progress made by Nepal in socio-economic sectors including in the attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. While briefing the audience about the current developments in Nepal in terms of peace and Constitution, he called for constructive and meaningful support from all quarters including the NRN and larger Nepalese diaspora community in this regard.

Counsellor of the Embassy of Nepal in Geneva Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana made a comprehensive presentation on diverse areas of economic diplomacy including the trade and investment opportunities, technology transfer as well as tourism opportunities available in Nepal. The presentation was designed to give a strong message that Nepal is safe for investment and offers attractive incentives for foreign direct investment in productive sectors and infrastructure building. It was emphasized during the presentation that Nepal has made necessary legal and institutional framework, including the formation of high-level Nepal Investment Board to provide a one window facility for major investors, to attract foreign investment. The presentation also highlighted Nepal's commitment and various steps taken to developing tourism sector as the backbone of economy with a long-term Tourism Vision 2020. The Visit Lumbini Year 2012 was specifically mentioned to highlight its significance as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and its potential as one of the attractive destinations in Nepal. The guests were invited to visit Nepal and enjoy the hospitality of the Nepalese people, natural beauty, cultural richness and many more attractions that Nepal offers to them in unique way.

Making his presentation, President of NRNA Italy Dr. Anil Bhattarai expressed commitment on behalf of NRNA to support the Government initiatives to promote Nepal abroad as a viable and most attractive destination. He also highlighted the activities of the NRNA in recent times.

Honorary Consul of Nepal in Rome Mr. Paolo Nugari made a presentation on the touristic attractions in Nepal as well as the facilities and special offers made to the foreign tourists visiting Nepal. He also expressed his commitment to work closely with the Italian authorities and the Nepalese community in furthering mutual interests.

Different promotional documentaries were screened during the programme. A Nepalese folk dance was also staged by the resident Nepali artists.nepalnews.com

Condolence to aircrash victims

Nepal Tourism Board expresses profound grief on the death of the passengers and crews of the Agni Air’s aircraft that met the fatal accident in Jomsom on May 14, 2012.

It offers condolences to the government of India, its people and the families and friends of the victims on the loss of 13 lives(all Indian citizens) in the tragic plane crash in Jomsom. It also expresses its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members of Nepalese crews who died on the spot.

In this hour of immense grief and pain, it wishes strength and fortitude to the victims' families and friends.

Nepal Tourism Board prays for speedy recovery of two Indians, two Danes and a Nepali cabin crew.

All preparation ready for Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon

Himalaya Expeditions Inc and Adventure Sports Tourism Society on May 17 said the 10th edition of Coca Cola Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, world highest altitude long distance race, will be held on May 29. It was declared in the press meet.

According to Bikram Pandey, Managing Director of Himalaya Expeditions which operate the marathon, the marathon will commemorate the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary on May 29,1953.

The 42.195 km marathon will begin from Everest Base Camp located at the height of 5364 meter and finish at Namche Bazaar (3446 meter).

The event will feature marathon in five different categories -- open, female, male international, female international and half marathon.

According to Event Manager Shikhar Pandey, the main purpose of the event is to promote tourism. "We want to promote Nepal as one of the best destinations for adventure sports. The marathon also provides opportunity for Sherpa runners to show their physical endurance and running potential in such ultra events," Shikhar said.

The marathon which started on May 19, 2003 is being conducted annually since and now it has become an internationally recognized event.

More than 100 foreigners from different countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, England and America have already registered their name for participation in the marathon. The organizers have expected participation of more than 50 Nepali runners in the event. A total of 200 athletes are likely to participate in the event.

"We have not yet decided cash prizes for top three runners as we are still holding talks with the sponsors. We are trying to increase the cash prize," Shikhar said. The top three players in men´s section were given of Rs 80,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 25,000 while 40,000, Rs 25,000 and Rs 16,000 was given to women winners in last edition. The winners of other categories will also be awarded.

Sudip Kulung was the defending champion in men´s section and Ang Futi Sherpa was the winner in women´s section.

In this Issue :

Japan Sales Mission 2012 concluded

Young Nepalese environmentalist wins prestigious international award

Nepal promotional programme held in Rome

Condolence to aircrash victims

All preparation ready for Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon

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