KATHMANDU, Nov 30: PATA Nepal Chapter organized a Felicitation program in honour of Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board and 1st Vice Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter on 29th November 2018.

The Felicitation Program was organized in recognition of his achievement of Highest IIPT Champions in Challenge Award 2018 from ‘International Institute for Peace through Travel and Tourism’ at International Travel Crisis Management Summit (ITCMS) in London, UK.

PATA Nepal Chapter Chairman Sunil Sakya extended Congratulations to CEO Joshi and appreciated his efforts in bringing back the tourism from the crisis phase.

Deepak Raj Joshi was appointed as the CEO at a very critical period, whereas the post of CEO was vacant since Prachanda Man Shrestha retired from the post on October 31, 2011, and there were allegations of CIAA in one hand. On the other hand, we had been severely hit by the 2015 earthquake and successive blockade of border access that ruined the tourism sector. NTB had very limited staffs (only 23) at the beginning of his tenure.

It was a tough challenge as well as an opportunity for CEO Joshi where he stood firm and continued his efforts leading the way forward and become successful in what he aimed for. Despite the various challenges and adverse circumstances, he successfully implemented his plans into actions with the better outcome every year.

In the beginning year of  Joshi’s tenure, NTB used to take part in a few regular international events like ITB, WTM with the Budget of 56/57 Crore; whereas NTB now has increased the Budget of 173 Crore, and they are reaching many source markets around the world. PATA Nepal Chapter presented the highlights of the efforts done during the tenure of Mr. Joshi attributing his accomplishments and targeted goals as: 2016- The year of Survival, 2017- The Year of Revival, 2018- The Year of Invigoration, and 2019- The Year of Build Back Better.

Former chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter, Basant Raj Mishra thanked CEO Joshi and his team for their effort, leadership and teamwork. ‘Tourism Success depends on the work and success of the Board. If the Board doesn’t function well, the Private sector is to be blamed for.  We are proud of having the entire tourism fraternity with this achievement.

CEO Joshi expressed “I was doing my duty only; nothing extra. I am just the face but the recognition is for the entire team and tourism fraternity. I always love to take challenges and challenges have always given fruitful outcome form me”. He thanked the entire tourism industry and its stakeholder for their continued collaboration and support.

PATA Nepal Chapter General Secretary thanked everyone for their valuable presence accepting the invitation of PATA Nepal Chapter to commemorate this prestigious award conferred to Mr.Joshi. He invited everyone to work together and engage the next generation of tourism for the better future of the industry.