NTB in 46th ITB Berlin Fair

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with 21 travel trade companies and hotels from Nepal attended the 46th ITB Berlin in Germany.

The 152 sq.m. Nepal Pavilion showcased the rich traditional architecture and iconic tourism products and most specifically the VLY 2012, according to NTB.

Nepal’s stand showcasing Nepal’s nature and cultural products was decorated with colorful prayer flags and a replica of a Nepalese pagoda style temple was also showcased with ample wood carvings.

The statue of Gautama Buddha attracted large crowds of visitors towards Nepal’s stand with several queries and innumerable photo opportunities. During the fair, the Visit Lumbini Year 2012 (VLY) and the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) were promoted.

Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Lokendra Bist Magar addressed a press conference where more than 80 German and global media and trade professionals attended.

The press meet was organised on March 8.

Highlighting the VLY 12 and GHT, Minister Bist emphasised the importance tourism for the nation’s economy and development.

On the occasion, Ambassador of Nepal to Germany, Suresh Pradhan shed light on various tourist attractions in Nepal and thanked Germany for its important contributions to Nepal’s economic, social and educational sectors.

Two high-level meetings were also held between Minister Bist and high ranking German parliamentarians Gudrun Kopp, Parliamentary State Secretary for Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Jurgen Klimke, Mdb, both of whom also visited Nepal’s stall for discussions on mutual cooperation and development of tourism.

This year, Nepal also participated in the famous ITB raffle for consumers.

The Nepal Pavilion generated increased footfalls this year.

Germany is a high value market for Nepal as German tourists are known for relatively higher spenders and longer average length of stay in Nepal.

The number of German tourists visiting Nepal in 2011 increased by 22 per cent as compared to the previous year.

source: RisingNepal, 12 March 2012