Nepal's stall major attraction at WTM

The World Travel Market (WTM) - a global event for travel industry - proved fruitful for Nepal at a time when tourist arrivals have declined.

According to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the four day long travel and tourism exchange platform that took place in London proved beneficial for Nepal´s tourism entrepreneurs as they were able to strike new business deals and strengthen their network.

The Nepal Stand at WTM 2013, spread in an area of 131 square meters was unique compared to the modern design of other participating countries. According to NTB, thematic intricate wood carving of Nepali Pagoda style temple adorned with Buddhist prayer flags attracted global tourism professionals. The artifact was a unique in that it helped highlight tourist destinations in Nepal.

NTB along with 17 tourism related companies from Nepal: Yeti Travels, Himalayan Guides Nepal Treks & Expeditions, Amadablam Adventures, Hotel Annapurna/Fish Tail Lodge, Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, Dharma Adventures, Icefall Adventures, Malla Travels and Trek Services, Intertours Nepal, Himalaya Kailash Travels & Tours, Shangri-La Hotel & Resort, Everest Summit Lodges, The Malla Hotel, Outdoor Expeditions, Jungle Safari Lodge, Trek Nepal Int´l and The Explore Nepal participated in the four day long fair that concluded on Thursday.

Manohar SJB Rana, CEO of Yeti Travels said that the networking sessions, demonstrations, meeting with fresh buyers and renewal of business contacts were the major activities carried out during the fair. “Though our representatives have not returned home, these are the major achievements,” said Rana.
Besides, Nepalis companies, WTM witnessed participation of 189 countries with more than 5,000 exhibitors and 50,000 participants facilitating 2 billion GBP industry deals this year.

According to NTB, WTM this year also remained an ideal platform for tourism-related discussions, sharing of views and experiences on the current global travel trend, travel technology.

Travel trade companies from Nepal renewed their business contacts and struck new business deals. The Nepalis delegation at WTM was led by the Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Chairman of NTB- Sushil Ghimire.

Secretary Ghimire said Nepal is a safe, beautiful and tourist friendly destination for the visitors. Citing the urgency of mitigating the impact of climate change and the garbage problem in the Himalayas, Ghimire also focused on investment opportunities in the tourism sector in Nepal.

Similarly, Nepali Ambassador to UK Suresh Chalise thanked British summiteers -- Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Alan Hinkes, Kenton Cool and David Helplemans Adams -- for promoting Nepal through mountaineering and highlighted the age old relationships between the two countries.
Likewise, Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board Subhash Niroula shed light on the steady growth of visitors to Nepal, its greatest tourism attributes -- nature, culture, adventure and many more -- making it a complete holiday getaway, according to NTB.

“Niroula also stressed on the need of close coordination between Nepal Embassy, Nepal Tourism Board and travel trade fraternity both from UK and Nepal for tourism promotion in UK,” NTB said.

source: republica,8 Nov 2013