Nepal shines at PATA Travel Mart 2024 in Thailand, wins prestigious awards

KATHMANDU: Nepal made a remarkable impression at the PATA Travel Mart 2024 (PTM 2024), winning prestigious awards and showcasing strong participation alongside 18 PATA Nepal member companies from the private sector of Nepal's tourism industry.

Organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), PTM 2024 welcomed over 900 delegates from 45 destinations, including 266 exhibitors from 168 organisations and 24 destinations, as well as 191 buyers from 173 organisations across 31 source markets. The 47th edition of the mart was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand, commemorating the 25th anniversary of PATA Headquarters’ relocation to this destination.

PATA Nepal Chapter, one of the most active PATA chapters globally, was honoured with the 'PATA Award of Excellence' for its outstanding activities during the 2023-24 calendar year, recognising its dedication to marketing and promoting tourism and developing the travel and tourism industry within the Pacific Asia region in alignment with PATA’s aims and objectives.

Chairman Khem Lakai, IP Chairman Bibhuti Chand Thakur, General Secretary Narendra Bhatta and CEO Suresh Singh Budal from PATA Nepal Chapter received the prestigious award during the PATA Power of Networking event held on 29 August 2024, at the Abandoned Mansion Bangkok (The Coach Hotel). Upon receiving the award, Chairman Lakai remarked, "The reason doesn't matter; the result matters. The work PATA Nepal Chapter carried out during challenging times is now recognised globally, and we are proud as Team Nepal. We strongly believe in shared prosperity through tourism in our nation."

Nepal Tourism Board's STLR Project won the PATA Gold Award in the Community-Based Tourism category, and Intrepid DMC Nepal was honoured as the Grand Title Winner in the Sustainability and Social Responsibility category during the PATA Gold Award Presentation Ceremony on 28 August 2024, at PTM 2024.

The 18 exhibitor companies under the Nepal pavilion at PTM 2024 included Heritage Tours & Travels, Lemon Tree Premier, Nepal Airlines Corporation, Bhrikuti Himalayan Treks, Destinago Tours & Travels, Hotel Himalaya, Expedition Himalaya, Hotel Ratnasambhava, Community Homestay Network, Luxury DMC Travels, Himalayan Holidays Trekking, Buddhist Circuits.com, Siddhartha Business Group of Hospitality, KGH Group of Hotels, Euro Asia Tours & Travels, Mountain Tiger Nepal, Visit Himalaya Treks, Off the Wall Trekking, and Nepal Yoga Home.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated, "PATA Travel Mart 2024 exemplifies our commitment to the future of Asia Pacific tourism by serving as a platform for high-quality buyers and sellers from the region and beyond. It reflects the Association’s mission to promote sustainable growth, drive innovation, and foster collaboration within the Asia Pacific region. Hosting this year’s event in Bangkok underscores PATA’s enduring partnership with Thai tourism organisations and reinforces our shared commitment to maintaining Thailand’s reputation as one of the leading MICE destinations in Asia Pacific."

PATA Nepal CEO, Suresh Singh Budal, emphasised, “Nepal's enthusiastic participation at PTM 2024 underscored the country's dedication to fostering international tourism collaborations and promoting its unparalleled attractions and tourism potential in global markets."