Nepal Wins Hearts at IMTM 2016, Tel Aviv, IsraelWednesday, February 17th, 2016
TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 10, 2016 - If, golden Everest was the highlight of the Nepal counter at the International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) 2016, Feb. 9-10, at TLV Convention Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, adventure and cultural experiences were other features that were in focus.
Participants at the fair, Israelis, and other international counterparts, were intrigued by the pictures. What they said mattered most, however, were the human experiences encountered during natural feats. And Nepal, they said, promised one.
The 2-day fair was participated by 6 private sector companies from Nepal and was led by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Hon’ble Minister for Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation Mr. Ananda Prasad Pokharel was also an integral part of the Nepal team at the fair, and so was His Excellency Ambassador of Nepal to Israel Mr. Prahlad Kumar Prasai.
With latest tourism updates and information, a press conference was organized on Feb. 10 at the Convention Center for tour operators, media and well-wishers of Nepal in Israel. The event attended by Hon’ble Minister Mr. Pokharel and His Excellency Mr. Prasai, was instrumental in reaching out to the local media and tour operators with Nepal’s tourism message encouraging travel and sale of Nepal as a safe and exotic destination. Member of Executive Committee of NTB Mr. Rajendra Prasad Sapkota was also present at the program.
Fresh visuals of different parts of Nepal along with presentation of Nepal travel experiences were much appreciated by the audience. Exchange of gifts and ideas between Nepal team and team of the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization (ZDVO) brought to light the high esteem the Israeli people have for Nepal and Nepali people.
ZDVO led by Ms. Vered Roth, has planned a trip of about 60 war-wounded soldiers to Nepal in March 2016. The team plans to visit Langtang region, most affected by the April 2015 earthquake. Nepal was the chosen destination because the soldiers wanted to meet those affected by the earthquake and to offer what support they could, according to Ms. Roth.
Ms. Roth gave an insight into the Israeli traveler’s mind. Almost all Israelis looked forward to the traditional “after the army” travel and Nepal was a choice destination for this young, dreamy and dauntless Israeli crowd, she said.
Private sector participants were positive of the outcome of participation at IMTM 2016, renewing old contacts and making new ones, and understanding more the region’s travelers’ psyche.
Visitors to the stall inquired about earthquake and safety, and were reassured by NTB as well as trade officials. Many visitors said they looked forward to visit Nepal and were willing happily to make selfies with the “I wish I were in Nepal Now” banner at the stall. The banner was installed as a part of the online promotional campaign “Nepal Now” by NTB, a popular tourism recovery initiative.
The 22nd IMTM 2016 hosted representatives from 50 countries. According to official statement, IMTM is intended for everyone engaged in the tourism industry. The exhibition included meetings and conventions attended by hundreds of decision-makers from around the world. The exhibition offers a growing presence to innovative technologies that are reshaping the tourism industry, said a top official among the organizers.
Glimpses of Nepal promotional activities at IMTM 2016, Tel Aviv, Israel
