main_image
NEWS
bottom
bottom

HAN to hold general meeting in Bangkok

A 63-member delegation representing the hospitality sector led by BK Shrestha, president of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), is scheduled to depart for Bangkok, Thailand on Friday to hold its half-yearly general meeting.

The apex body of the country’s hotel industry has been conducting such meets at one of the tourist destinations annually. During the planned five-day visit, hoteliers will study the tourist areas and their tourism expansion plans.

The meeting is being organized under the joint coordination of the Nepali embassy in Thailand and the Thai embassy in Nepal to strengthen tourism ties. The HAN delegation is also scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Thai Hotel Association during the visit, the association said in a press statement.

“Even though a large number of Thai visitors are interested in visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Nepal has not been able to attract them due to limited resources. The meeting will play a key role in increasing the length of stay and number of Thai visitors to Nepal,” said Binayak Shah, general secretary of HAN.

“The Nepali delegation will urge Thai tourism stakeholders to start their Buddhist pilgrimage from the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini instead of making it a side trip from their India tour.”

As the government is also upgrading Gautam Buddha airport to a regional international airport, there could be direct flights between Bangkok and Bhairahawa.

In 2013, HAN conducted its half-yearly general meeting in the UAE, and in 2012, it was held in Sri Lanka.

source: the kathmandu post,19 sept 2014