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4th Himalayan Travel Mart concludes on positive note with resounding success

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KATHMANDU: The fourth Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2023) successfully concluded on Friday in the historic city of Kathmandu, attracting over 700 delegates from 25 different countries, including over 70 international delegates and national tourism stakeholders. The event emphasized the journey of recovery and the promotion of tourism in a world reshaped by the post-pandemic era. The four-day event is the largest and most prestigious international travel and tourism trade show in Nepal, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) and organised by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and other prominent tourism associations and private sector organizations of Nepal. [gallery size="full" link="file" columns="4" ids="37703,37704,37702,37922"] The mart was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, on Tuesday, at Hotel Yak and Yeti. Prime Minister Dahal in his address at the inaugural ceremony, acknowledged the crucial role of tourism in Nepal's economy and emphasized the government's commitment to developing Nepal as a promising tourism destination, providing immersive and transformative lifetime experiences. He expressed pride in the Government of Nepal (Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation) hosting the prestigious HTM event, which has evolved into a prominent platform for promoting tourism in Nepal and the entire Himalayan region, positioning Nepal as the "Gateway to the Himalayas. The Prime Minister further stated, "Tourism serves as a vital driver of Nepal's economy, fostering economic growth, and generating employment opportunities for our people. Recognising its immense potential, the government is dedicated to developing Nepal as an exceptional tourism destination, offering immersive and transformative experiences." To achieve this vision, he outlined key priorities, including enhancing infrastructure, upgrading transportation facilities, implementing policy reforms, strengthening the aviation sector, fostering private-sector collaborations, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. [gallery link="file" size="full" ids="37921,37928,37927"] MoCTCA Secretary Suresh Adhikari delivered concluding remarks at the ceremony and expressed his delight in welcoming all international delegates participating in HTM 2023. He emphasized that the homegrown brand, the Himalayan Travel Mart, will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase Nepal's tourism potential and establish connections with travel trade professionals from around the world. State Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sushila Sirpali Thakuri, stressed that Nepal is a destination with immense potential for tourism, and called upon all public and private sector stakeholders to unite their efforts collectively for its promotion. PATA Nepal Chapter Chairman Bibhuti Chand Thakur extended a warm welcome to all the delegates and guests attending the 4th edition of HTM. He highlighted PATA Nepal's vision and missions, which focus on promoting sustainable development and growth of tourism within the country and beyond its borders. Thakur described HTM as Nepal's highly successful and impactful international event, providing unparalleled networking and business opportunities, insightful sessions, and extensive destination promotion. Similarly, Lord Brian Wilkie, Master of the Order of the British Empire; Benjamin Liao, Vice Chairman of PATA HQ; Dhananjaya Regmi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board; and Ubaraj Adhikari, Executive Chairman of Nepal Airlines; shared welcoming remarks and expressed their thoughts on promoting tourism in Nepal and the region. [gallery columns="2" link="file" size="full" ids="37926,37701"] The inaugural ceremony of HTM 2023 was enriched by captivating cultural performances by the Tharu women's group from Green Chwadi Nature Retreat, the Tarkeshwor Bhajan Group, the Young Tourism Professionals from PATA Nepal Student Chapter, and the Sursudha team. They delivered mesmerising performances, creating an enchanting ambience. Following the inaugural ceremony, the delegates were treated to a 'Welcome Dinner Reception' hosted by Nepal Tourism Board. The HTM2023 Conference with the theme 'Reconnecting, Rebuilding, and Reinvigorating', held on June 7 featured a dynamic lineup of national and international thought leaders and speakers. The conference provided engaging discussions and unparalleled insights on various contemporary subjects, including Aviation for Good, Unlocking the Potential of Nepal's New International Airports, The Return of Chinese Outbound Travellers by COTRI, European Tourism Trends and Opportunities for Nepal's Tourism, Building Sustainable Tourism through Community Empowerment, Fostering Regional Tourism Potential, Rejuvenating Travel Spirit and Tourism Businesses, and Reinventing Education to Better Serve Humanity. During the conference, the luncheon was hosted by Nepal Tourism Board, and in the evening, the KGH Group of Hotels and Resorts organised a Gala Dinner Reception at Park Village Hotel and Resort for all the delegates. This year, the two-day B2B mart held on June 8 and 9 witnessed the participation of 50 buyer organisations from the USA, Europe, Russia, CIS countries, Asia, and the Gulf Region. Additionally, there were 40 seller organisations or exhibitors from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. The event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to reconnect, explore, establish, strengthen, or expand their business partnerships and networking opportunities. During the B2B mart, the delegates had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of cuisines including Newari, Mithila, and Tharu. Additionally, Dusit Princess Kathmandu hosted a Gala Dinner Reception for the HTM2023 delegates on the evening of June 8. The farewell dinner reception and closing ceremony were hosted by Bhojan Griha, which is a historical restaurant known for authentic Nepali cuisine and culture. Addressing the farewell dinner reception and closing ceremony, MoCTCA Secretary Adhikari, on behalf of the Government of Nepal extended thanks to everyone for making the HTM2023 a resounding success and announced that the ministry together with PATA Nepal Chapter and Nepal Tourism Board will organise the fifth Himalayan Travel Mart in Kathmandu from June 4 to 7 next year. [gallery columns="2" link="file" size="full" ids="37930,37923"] The HTM 2023 received support from various partners and private sector organisations. The airline partners included Air Arabia, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Buddha Air. The health partner was CIWEC Hospital Travel Medicine Center, while the community tourism partner was the Community Homestay Network. Hotel Yak & Yeti served as the official hotel and event venue partner. VISA was the official supporting partner, and NLG Insurance Company was the travel insurance partner. Other supporting partners included Manakamana Darshan, Countryside Adventure Holidays India, Camera Voyages (USA) and the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). In addition, the mart greatly benefited from the outstanding contributions of Hospitality partners. These partners included the KGH Group of Hotels and Resort, Kantipur Temple House, Hotel Annapurna, Bhojan Griha, Traditional Comfort, The Nanee, Royal Penguin Boutique Hotel, Aagantuk Resort, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, Dusit Princess, Hotel Barahi, Hotel Sarowar, Hotel Tibet International, and Hotel Landmark Chitwan. Furthermore, the World Tourism Network supported HTM2023 as a Strategic Partner, while High Ground Adventure Nepal served as the Adventure Partner. READ ALSO: