PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board and National Flag Carrier, Nepal Airlines made an active and successful participation at PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2017 held from September 13-15 at The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, Macao SAR. The 40th edition of PATA Travel Mart), hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), has attracted 1,131 delegates from 66 global destinations. The delegate numbers embraced 460 sellers from 252 organizations and 37 destinations, along with 293 buyers from 281 organizations and 51 source markets.

PATA Travel Mart is Asia Pacific’s premier travel trade show, featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organizations access decision-makers, meet new clients, expand their networks and build or maintain existing relationships. Held in September every year, PTM showcases travel products and services from the Asia Pacific regional market, drawing interest from a broad cross-section of experienced, pre-qualified buyers.

The private sector tourism entrepreneurs from Nepal including  Soaltee Crowne Plaza, SDU Travel, Shangrila Hotel and Resort, Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, Langtang RI Trekking, KGH Group of Hotels and Resort, Summit Hotel and Asian Bhrikuti Holidays took part this year in PTM2017 under the Nepal Pavilion along with PATA Nepal Chapter, NTB and Nepal Airlines.

PATA also welcomed 37 young tourism professionals including PATA Student Chapter members from 15 countries including Nepal, Hong Kong Polytechnic, Singapore Temasek Polytechnic, China Zhejiang Gongshang University, University of Guam, Macao SAR and Canada Vancouver Capilano University. Representing PATA Nepal Student Chapter, Mr. Bimoj Pradhan from GATE College and Mr. Binod Khadka from NATHM got this opportunity to witness PTM 2017 and took part at the PATA Youth Symposium 2017 which was hosted by the Institute For Tourism Studies  (IFT). PATA Youth Symposium held in break out groups to engage students in the topics presented and provide their insights.

PATA rewarded Nepal Chapter with “Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals” Award

PATA Nepal Chapter Chairman, Mr. Suman Pandey received “Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals” PATA Chapter Award during the PATA Board Dinner and Chapter Awards Presentation on 16th September. This NextGen. Engagement Award is one of the prestigious acknowledgements by PATA to the Chapter that shows great dedication and contribution in engaging with the NextGen, to promote tourism industry among the young tourism professionals.

Mr. Suman Pandey, Chairman of PATA Nepal chapter informed that the platforms like PTM would help Nepal to promote its products and destinations among global visitors. He added-“In the past years, only a few companies used to participate in travel mart and fairs. Nowadays, it is attended by Nepal Airlines, Nepal Tourism Board and other government-led organization. The public-private participants have helped largely to promote Nepal.”

Addressing a media briefing at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the official venue for the event, NTB CEO, Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi emphasized that Nepal is committed to broadening tourism offerings and diversifying visitor source markets. “Nowadays, tourism has become an art of storytelling. Globally, photography has become popular for storytelling. Nepal is no more exception. Hence, we need to promote tourism through photography, Joshi said at the media briefing. He informed the forum that Nepal is holding pre-world cup paragliding next year. “Travelling Nepal is very rewarding thought. Although we are limited in the infrastructure, we have everything to offer,” he said.  He observed the positive interests among the delegates from around the world for the nation’s own brand “Himalayan Travel Mart” held in June 2017 and invited to the international community to visit Nepal.

Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter expressed that receiving the Best PATA Chapter Awards is a matter of pride and encouragement for Nepal Chapter to do more better in the days to come. The interaction with delegates from around the world at PTM2017 shows that international community is very interested towards Nepal and PATA Nepal’s recent initiatives like Inviting Influencers/ Bloggers/Media on FAM Trips, the Himalayan Travel Mart, Engagement with NextGen Tourism Professionals, Human Capital Development programs, etc. has definitely added the value towards the promotion of the Nepali Tourism.

William Ma received lucky-Draw Prize

To celebrate 40 years of connecting qualified buyers and experienced sellers worldwide, PATA has offered away prizes including iPhone and iPad minis in four sweepstakes at PTM 2017! Mr. William Ma, CEO of Asian Bhrikuti Holidays from Nepal won the first lucky-Draw Prize during the Welcome Reception Program as well as the Grand Prize during the PTM2017 Closing Ceremony.