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| Discussion on TAAN's role for NTY's success organized |
The international relations department of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) recently organized a discussion program with the office-bearers of its previous executive committees on the role of the association for the success of Nepal Tourism Year 2011.
Speaking on the occasion, former president of TAAN Yankila Sherpa suggested forming a pressure group comprising representatives of all tourism associations under the leadership of TAAN. "This will help put forward the voice of industry people in an effective manner," she added. Sherpa, who is also a former tourism minister, also suggested opening all border peaks to attract more expedition teams during the year. She also suggested members of the department to foster cordial relations with diplomatic missions
stationed in Kathmandu and address concerns raised by them. Sherpa also suggested establishing relations with travel trade associations of neighboring countries and promoting NTY 2011 through sharing of knowledge and ideas.
Former president Deepak Mahat suggested TAAN to study the functioning of tourism associations in neighboring countries and revamp TAAN's international relations department accordingly. "TAAN, especially the member of the international relations department, should establish friendly relations with embassies and diplomatic missions. This will not only help streamline our promotional initiatives but will also help in addressing their concerns related to security situation here," he added.
The participants also called on the government to revise the definition of restricted areas as it has been creating problems for them in handling groups. They also suggested issuing trekking permits in controlled areas by the tourism ministry itself. The senior trekking entrepreneurs also suggested the government to open up all areas as people in controlled areas have been deprived from income opportunities.
The discussion was moderated by Kul Bahadur Gurung, coordinator of TAAN's international relations department. TAAN office-bearers, executive members and members of international relations department also participated in the discussion.
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| UNWTO boss to attend NTY launch |
Secretary General of UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Taleb Rifai is among the international dignitaries that have confirmed their participation for the inauguration of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign to be held at Dasharath Stadium on Jan 14.
According to Nepal Tourism Board, tourism ministers of SAARC member countries and secretary of Cambodian Tourism Ministry have also confirmed their participation, while tourism ministers of Japan and China have expressed their interest to attend the gala event. The government has invited tourism ministers of 24 Asian nations for the event.
SAARC tourism secretaries are scheduled to arrive on Jan 11 to participate in the extensive joint secretary level meeting of the SAARC Tourism Working Committee. They are set to discuss on the problems and barriers confronting tourism promotion.
The SAARC inter-government body will discuss the possibility of launching joint marketing campaigns, softening visa regime, giving access to cross-border driving licenses and increasing inter-SAARC movement by air by the national flag carrier of each country.
President Dr Ram Baran Yadav is scheduled to inaugurate the yearlong tourism promotional campaign. |
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| Chitwan Elephant Festival from Dec 26 |
7th Chitwan Elephant Festival 2010 is being organized by Regional Hotel Association of Nepal (RHAN), Chitwan in Sauraha of Chitwan, from December 26 to 28.
The major attraction in the three-day festival is the elephant race. Twenty domesticated elephants -- sponsored by different organizations and corporate houses -- will take part in the one of its kind race in the country. Apart from the elephant race, football of elephant calves, donkey race, ox race, cart race, boat race and cultural programs, are other major attractions of the annual event. The organizers expect about 100,000 tourists â?? both domestic and international â?? to participate in the event.
As the previous years, Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) is also sponsoring an elephant, on behalf of trekking agencies.
Meanwhile, the government officials will participate the event for the soft-launching of Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The event is expected to draw about 100, 000 tourists - both domestic and international.
The event will be organized at the grounds of Baghmara Community Forest, according to the organizers. |
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| Tara Air crash killed 22 |
Twenty-two persons, including three crew members, died when a Tara Air Twin Otter crashed at a remote location in Okhaldhunga district.
Rescuers recovered the bodies of all the passengers and crew members scattered in the jungle of Sirchaur VDC on the morning of December 15.
The ill-fated aircraft had lost contact with control tower a few minutes after taking off from Lamidanda airstrip in Khotang district at 3:08 pm on December 15. The aircraft was carrying pilgrims returning from the famous Halesi Mahadev temple.
According to officials, the wreckage was scattered over an area of 300 meter radius on the sides of a mountain. The causes behind the accident are not clear year.
According to sources, 18 of the passengers are Bhutanese, while one is of Tibetan origin with US passport. |
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| Swedish mountaineers, tourism entrepreneurs feted |
35 various Swedish nationals and organizations are felicitated for their contributions to promoting Nepal and Nepalese tourism attractions in Sweden. "The felicitation program was organized by Nepali Embassy based in Copenhagen of Denmark to support Nepal Tourism Year campaign 2011", a press statement issued by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), states.
The Presidents of Swedish Alpine Club, Swedish Climbing Federation, Swedish Mountain Guide Organization and Sweden Nepal Society were also felicitated for the contributions. Nepalâ??s Ambassador to Denmark Vijay Kant Lal Karna presented special plaques and certificates to the persons and organizations.
High-ranking officials of the Swedish government, mountaineers, frequent visitors to Nepal, academicians, travel trade entrepreneurs, travel writers, and Nepalese and Swedish nationals from various walks of life attended the program organized in Stockholm on December 10.
Meanwhile, Karna also presented certificates to 13 Everest summiteers from Sweden and appointed them as Goodwill Ambassadors of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign.
The government has decided to appoint Everest summiteers as the goodwill ambassadors for the year-long tourism promotional campaign. |
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