Nepal – The 2nd NATTA Himalayan International Travel Mart
As the memory of recent conflict gradually disappears, international visitor numbers are on the rise big-time.
International arrivals to Nepal grew 78.8% for April 2007, a total of 33,024 visitors, not seen since 2002. The Australian market increased by 32.7% while the US market increased by 92.6% for the month.
The Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) was launched in September 2001 by the Government of Nepal, focusing on sustainable tourism development. This year, the programme is scheduled to be handed over to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to carry on the good work.
There is now growing demand for Nepal as a preferred destination, due mainly to:
* Improved destination image (ie growing peace & stability)
* Improved air connections
* Sustainable tourism programmes
In fact, it has reached the point now where industry growth is being hampered by lack of seats and subsequent group cancellations.
This means it may now be time to focus customers on all the other offerings besides Mt Everest, spiritual & cultural. A good place to start may well be the 2nd Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) Himalayan International Travel Mart.
At a recent press conference, the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali expressed his full confidence on the revival of the tourism industry in Nepal within a short period of time. “However, it has become imperative to convey the message of peace and stability in Nepal to the international travel industry,” he further elaborated.
The Travel Mart is to be held at the Birenda International Conference Centre, New Baneshwor. Nepalese heritage, lifestyle, tradition and culture will all be on display.
The NTB has also organised a National Tourism Fair, to be run in conjunction with the Travel Mart. The Fair will encourage all the tourism related stakeholders, including tourism development committees, tourism colleges, handicraft producers and cultural event promoters to showcase their products & services.
The Travel Mart is expected to attract more than 100 buyers from more than 30 countries.
A report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026