NTB asks NATTA, HAN to make tour packages for Nepalis

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has requested Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) to make tour packages, targeting domestic tourists. The NTB made the request after the government, through the recently announced budget, made it mandatory for public enterprises and Class ´A´ and ´B´ banks and financial institutions that are in profit to introduce paid holiday for their employees. Officials of NTB made the requests during separate meetings with travel trade associations to formulate strong marketing and promotional strategies to promote Nepal in international market. The meeting was held to explore key areas in marketing and promotion where NTB can join hands with these associations. Addressing the officials of travel trade associations, Subash Nirola, acting CEO of NTB, said it has become imperative for Nepal´s tourism industry to keep pace with the marketing shift with innovative plans and programs. “Ad hoc marketing doesn´t work in the present context. That is why we have requested travel trade associations to come up with their annual marketing and promotional plans with strong reasons so that it would be easier for NTB to see the avenues where it can fit in,” said Nirola. Speaking at the meeting, Ashok Pokharel, president of Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), asked NTB to bring in quality tourists and increase tourist´s length of stay. He also suggested to the NTB to explore the possibility of entering into tie-ups with international airlines for sales missions in Europe. In the meeting, Mahendra Singh Thapa, president of Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN), emphasized the need to promote new trekking routes recently explored by his association in the international market. He further added that Nepal should be promoted as a destination for all seasons. Pabitra Kumar Karki, president of NATTA, said Nepal should focus its promotional and marketing activities in China, as the number of Chinese visitors to Nepal is increasing with each passing year. Likewise, Amar Shakya, general secretary of HAN, emphasized the need to lure more Indian tourists. source: republica,