Nepal Puts Up Prominent Show at PATA ATRTCM 2018, Abu DhabiMonday, April 2nd, 2018

Nepal’s participation at the Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart (ATRTCM) 2018 at Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), concluded successfully on Feb. 23, 2018, with Nepal’s prominent show at the event and positive response from the Nepali team regarding the fair outcome. The fair provided an ideal platform to showcase Nepal as an ideal adventure destination with its umpteen options for activities in this segment. The participation also provided opportunity for fresh communication and destination updates, facilitating B2B connections for the Nepali travel trade with their international counterparts.

The fair was led by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) - Nepal Chapter, in coordination with Nepal Airlines and 12 companies from the private sector. The private sector companies participating at the fair were: Adventure Outdoors, Explore Himalayas Travel and Adventure, High Ground Adventures, Himalayan Holidays Treks and Tours, Langtang Ri Trekking and Expeditions, Royal Mountain Travel, Nepal Sanctuary Treks, Shivalaya Tours, Himalayan Kailash Travels and Tours, Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, and KGH Groups of Hotels and Resort.

The mart on Feb. 23 focused on B2B sessions with interested buyers finding their compatible Destination Management Companies. Buyers were from different parts of the world while those who visited Nepal Stall included buyers from Canada, United States, Germany Czech Republic, South Africa, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, to name a few. Members from the private sector appreciated the mart and said the goings were good with connections to seemingly genuine international partners. The fair had 180 delegates from 33 countries in attendance for the three-day niche event. The event was inaugurated by His Excellency Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of the Tourism Sector of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.

Earlier, on Feb. 22, the team attended conference, part of the program, where international speakers from different parts of the world shared insightful presentations and success stories on sustainable tourism, responsible tourism and latest in the adventure travel trade. The event was a good opportunity to explore the nuances, trends and dynamics of one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors.

According to a member of the private sector, the participation at ATRTCM 2018 materialized in new buyers, new options, more number of genuine clients. Another member praised the arrangements and decor creating a comfortable venue ambiance. The overall assessment of Nepal’s participation at the event was termed successful by most of the private sector participants from Nepal. According to a senior private sector representative, it was a good event; small, specific and accurate.

It was also a good opportunity for the Nepali team to analyze the Arabian market. With five airlines flying more than 70 flights per week in this sector, the market carries huge potential in terms of high end clientele.

It was evident during the ATRTCM 2018 programs that the UAE was opening itself to new possibilities in the tourism sectors, as a destination as well as a market. During the conference earlier, Nepal was even mentioned as a preferred choice of destination among the UAE travelers. That the Arabian markets interest lay in destinations offering novelty from the dry desert conditions of their country was earlier stated by speakers at the panel. Therefore, Arabian market was perceived by the Nepali team as a potential market for quality and sustainable tourism.

However, team members reiterated the need to further study and research the market, especially on behavior patterns of the Arabian customers so that the Nepali companies could customize tours to sell nature, materialize proper arrangement for taking them up with best packages, according to participants.

According to Country Manager of Nepal Airlines in the UAE Mr. Ramesh Poudel, participation at the ATRTCM 2018 at Al Ain was a good opportunity for direct marketing in the Abu Dhabi market. According to Mr. Poudel, the consumers in the Arabian market prefer high quality of food and service, spend almost US $ 10,000 per week, and travel two times a year. Therefore, excellent service and uncompromised hospitality is essential to tap into this market for successful results, said Mr. Poudel.