Recent News
New projects for NTY 2011
July 20th: To make Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 a grand success and foster wider economic growth, the government has planned a ‘one-district, one-destination’ identification program. For the promotion of NTY 2011, the government will prepare a one-district, one-destination identification program with infrastructure development and promotion of particular places. The government will also focus on developing Nepal as an attractive venue for international and regional conventions.
TSF on Air tickets from July 16th
July 20th: According to the new budget, the Tourism Service Fee(TSF) collected by NTB from every departing visitor will be included in air tickets from July 16. The government has made arrangements for Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to reach an agreement with airlines companies for collecting the Rs 1000 per passenger on the air ticket itself, with effect from July 16.
Nepalese Food Promotion festival in Colombo
July 19th: The embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), organised a ‘Nepalese Food Promotion’ festival at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo from July 2 to July 12. This was the first-of-its-kind programme organized to promote Nepal in Sri Lanka.The 11-day fete was attended by over 1,000 guests.
Nepal Evening organized in Germany
July 15th: The Embassy of Nepal organized a Nepal Evening program on the theme 'Naturally Nepal, Once is not Enough' in Berlin last week to promote tourism in Nepal. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador for Germany Mr. Suresh Pradhan urged the German entrepreneurs for investment in the tourism infrastructure of Nepal, considering its immense potential in natural, cultural, convention & adventure tourism. He also requested support and cooperation for the celebration of 2011 as Nepal Tourism Year. Over 350 participants including journalists, tour operators, tourism entrepreneurs & members of Non Resident Nepalese Association in Germany were present.
New Budget to boost Tourism in Nepal
July 14th: Starting from Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Nepal aims to bring 1 million tourists every year . Promotional programs for cultural and adventure tourism has been proposed by Nepal Government through the campaign "Nepali Temperament, Welcome and Hospitality of Guest".In the budget speech delivered by Finance Minister Surendra Pandey, budget has been allocated for upgrading airports in Rajbiraj, Janakpur and Mugu, Humla, Kalikot and Dolpo of Karnali zone and extension of Dhangadi airport. The airports of Simara and Dhangadi will be equipped for night time landing and takeoff. An interaction with Everest summitters will be held to chalk out future strategies to promote the mountaineering sector. The government also plans to develop Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Lapcha, Limbu and Dhimal settlements as ‘Art Villages’.
Yeti Airlines receives its second PC-6
July 9th: Yeti Airlines' received its second Pilatus Porter aircraft , when it landed at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Wednesday afternoon. Yeti Airlines is set to begin flight operations in Syangboche, Jiri, Langtang, Dhorpatan and Kalikot using its fleet of PC-6 aircrafts. The aircraft will be used for passenger and materials transportation, medical and emergency services, measurement and photo flights with spraying equipment for agricultural work and for fire fighting. The airlines believes that the revival of flight operation services in remote areas would help contribute in local development and tourism promotion.
MoTCA Minister pledges support to NAC
July 8th: Speaking at an interaction program held at NAC's central office on 7th July, in Kathmandu, MoTCA Minister, Sharat Singh Bhandari pledged the government's help to smoothen the process of acquisition of additional aircrafts for the corporation.The state-owned Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has initiated the process of buying two Boeing 747's and small aircrafts to upgrade its existing fleet of one Boeing for international flights and few small aircrafts for its domestic operations.
4th National Open Climbing Competition
July 7th: Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation (PLMF) in association with TAAN, NTB & NMA is organizing the 4th National Open Climbing competition - 2009, on 24th/25th July. The competition is going to be held at Pasang Lhamu Sports Climbing center, PLMF Building Premises, Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu. Organizations as well as individuals are invited to take part in this competition. The last date to register is 15th of July 2009.
SATO -Nepal holds a reception at Hotel Shangri La
July 6th: According to a press release issued by SATO (Society of Adventure Tour Operators)- Nepal, an informal reception was organized by SATO at Hotel Shangri La, Kathmandu on 5th July 2009. The chief guest at the reception was Mr.Sarat Singh Bhandari, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The General Secretary of the organization ,Mr. Hari Man Lama, highlighted the objectives of SATO-Nepal while President Mr. J.B Singh focused on the prevalent political scenario and its effect on the tourism industry.Mr. Sarat Singh Bhandari, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, spoke about the role of private sector in the development of tourism industry and its contribution to Nepalese economy. He assured the gathering that he is ready to implement the required plans and policies for further develop tourism activities.
Rise in Tourist Arrivals
July 3rd: According to TIA ( Tribhuvan International Airport), the month of June saw a rise in tourist air arrivals by six per cent.The most encouraging results came from European markets, with an overall positive growth of 25 per cent. Arrivals from UK grew by 15 per cent, while arrivals from Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Norway all posted significant growth of 27, 30, 34 and 17 per cent. Arrivals from China increased by 17 per cent , Thailand 37 per cent and South Korean 55 per cent.Other Asian segments registered a positive growth of 18 percent.
NAC celebrates 51st Anniversary
July 3rd: National flag carrier, Nepali Airlines Corporation (NAC) celebrated its 51st anniversary on July 1st. At a function organized in Kathmandu to mark the event, KB Limbu, managing director of NAC, said the NAC would increase flights to more countries in the Gulf and southeast and south Asia after adding new planes to its fleet. NAC was established on July 1st, 1958.
Air China to launch direct Beijing -Lhasa flights from July 10th
July 2nd: According to Xinhuanews.net, Air China will launch the first direct flight between Beijing and Lhasa from 10th July. The daily flight is expected to cut travel time to Tibet by about two hours, as the existing flight arrangement have passengers changing flights at Chengdu to reach Lhasa.
Nepalese Envoy to South Korea promotes Nepali Culture
July 2nd: An exhibition on Nepal & Buddhist culture has been organized by Nepali Ambassador to South Korea, Kamal Prasad Koirala to promote Nepali culture among Koreans. The exhibition opened at the Korean Foundation Cultural Center on June 22nd and will run till July 4th..Among the articles on display at the exhibition are miniature paintings, portraits, traditional musical instruments, and metal and wooden crafts.
Nepal Visa from Tibet
July 2nd: A promotional campaign was jointly organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the China Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa.According to reports, an official from the Consulate General of Nepal promised 22 travel wholesalers that in the near future travel agencies in Tibet would be able to offer visa services to Chinese tourists who want to visit Nepal.
TAAN members meet the newly appointed Tourism Minister
June 30th: A delegation of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) members met with the newly appointed Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sharat Singh Bhandari on June 28th. During the meeting, the delegation raised issues on defining trekking as a permanent industry by annulling the provision of renewing the license of trekking agents every year and to annul the provision of bank guarantee for trekking agents which have completed the trial period of three years. The delegation requested relaxation in customs duty for trekking agents to import goods. TAAN members also requested an authority to charge a nominal fee of US$ 2 for short treks and US$ 5 for long treks and to issue free visa to visitors who want to visit Nepal during off-season...
NTB's consumer promotion campaign in India
June 26th: With the objective of promoting Nepal among the Indian consumers, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in partnership with Nepal Embassy, New Delhi, Nepal Airlines and Nepalese Private Sector companies has launched consumer promotion campaign in New Delhi.The campaign dates are 19th -21st June and 26th - 28th June 2009.The first phase of the campaign (from 19th to 21st June) was held at V3S East Center Mall in New Delhi. The second phase of the promotion is to be held at MGF City Square Mall from 26th to 28th June 2009. This campaign has been initiated to boost "Nepal Tourism Year-2011” campaign.
Debate over 'Oldest Everest Summitter' resolved
June 24th: Guinness Book of records is set to formally recognize 78 year old Min Bahadur Sherchan as the world's oldest Everest submitter. He had climbed Mount Everest on May 25th 2008, at the age of 77. Owing to some technical lapses, Guinness Book in February this year had recognized Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura who had climbed the peak at the age of 75, as the oldest Everest summitter.
NMA organizes climbers' meet
June 23rd: Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) on June 21st organised a special meeting for climbers to address their professional woes and difficulties. Among the key issues discussed at the meeting was the need of social security from the government's side to the climbers and their families on retirement and in the unfortunate event of a climbing accident leading to death or injury.
Imja Tsho Action Event 2009 Begins
June 18th: Imja Tsho Action Event 2009 - Beat the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Action Run began today.This event is organized by Initiatives for Development and Eco Action Support (IDEAS) to draw attention to the devastating effects of Global Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) due to climate change in the Himalayas. Imja Tsho, located along the popular trekking route to Mt.Everest, is the fastest growing glacial lake in the Himalayas.This is posing a threat to mountaineers and local residents.
China Eastern to launch Kunming - Kathmandu flight
June 17th: China Eastern Airlines, Yunnan branch is planning to launch Kunming-Kathmandu direct flight service from July 17, 2009.The flight is scheduled to take off every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and will be operated using Boeing 737 aircraft. This is the third international direct flight departing from Kunming launched by China Eastern's Yunnan branch in 2009, according to chinahospitalitynews.com.
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province in China.This ancient city was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. Today this city has become a popular center for tourism in Southwest China.
Tharpu Chuli Trek
June 17th: James Ward is a Technical Evangelist for Flex at Adobe and Adobe’s JCP representative. In his bio it is mentioned, “much like his love for climbing mountains he enjoys programming because it provides endless new discoveries, elegant workarounds, summits and valleys”. Perhaps it was his love for climbing that drew him to Nepal Himalayas.