NTB seeks domestic packages

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has urged tourism associations to develop a special package for domestic tourists so as to avail that provision of the budget which encourages domestic tourism.

During an interaction organised by NTB, board officials suggested Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) to develop a special programme for domestic tourists as recent budget has made a mandatory provision for employees of public corporations in profit and those working in profit-making class ‘A’ and ‘B’ banks and financial institutions to be allowed vacations on the expenses of the respective organisations to promote domestic tourism.

The board organised the interaction with executive members of NATTA, Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), HAN and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) to formulate effective marketing and promotional strategies.

During the interaction, acting chief executive officer of NTB Subash Nirola said that ad hoc marketing will not work in the present context, therefore, the associations should come up with their respective annual marketing and promotional plans with strong reasons so that it would be easier for the board to look into avenues where they could fit in.

At the meeting, president of NATO Ashok Pokharel raised questions on ways to bring quality tourists to the country and also to increase the length of stay of tourists. He also urged for an idea for an international marketing tie-up with international airlines for sales missions in Europe.

President of TAAN Mahendra Singh Thapa emphasised on promoting and marketing new trekking routes explored by the association in the international travel market.

source: the himalayan times,19 July 2013