The 42nd Annual General Meeting of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter themed “Stepping towards Digital Transformation” concluded successfully on 8th October 2018 at Park Village Hotel & Resort, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu.  

Embracing the need of digital transformation for Nepali tourism sector, PATA Nepal Chapter had invited Mr. Jens Thraenhart, an Expert on Digital Marketing and Executive Director of Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office as the Keynote Speaker at the AGM to share the valuable insights on digital transformation amongst 160+ crowds of Nepal’s Tourism Fraternity.  Mr. Jens presented on “Collaborative Social Commerce Driving Digital Transformation - an Opportunity for Nepal” during the occasion. PATA Nepal had also invited Dr. Marcus Lee, Chairman of International China Investment Forum as the Guest of Honor who presented on “How to attract Chinese Visitors effectively”.

During the Formal Function and Award Presentation Ceremony, PATA felicitated three PNC Featured Awards:

(1)    Lifetime Achievement Award:

PATA Nepal introduced the first ever PATA Nepal Chapter Award for "Lifetime Achievement" and rewarded this to its founder Chairman, Mr. Prabhakar SJB Rana in honor and recognition to his contributions, achievements and many layers of service in the development and promotion of quality-tourism in Nepal.  Mr. Prabhakar SJB Rana is the Chairman Emeritus of Soaltee Hotel Limited. He is a well-known pioneer industrialist and entrepreneur in the tourism, hydropower and automobiles sector. He also served in many public and private sector organizations and institutions.

(2)    PATA Personality of the Year 2018

The ‘PATA Personality of the year 2018 Award’ was rewarded to Mr. Sugat Ratna Kansakar, Managing Director of Nepal Airlines Corporation in recognition of his valuable contribution and commendable role in promoting Nepali Tourism sector over the recent years.

(3)    Best Student Chapter of the year

The  ‘Best Student Chapter of the year’ was awarded to Nepal Academy of Tourism & Hotel Management (NATHM) in recognition of their dedication and contribution in engaging with the initiatives of PATA Nepal Chapter and best illustrating the activities, programs, and events in line with the aims and objectives of PATA Nepal Student Chapter.

Chairman, Mr. Sunil Sakya during his welcome remarks emphasized on the need for immediate strengthening the National Flag Carrier, Opening of New Air corridor and the necessary Infrastructures along with the establishment of international Convention Center in Kathmandu valley. He proposed government and Nepal Tourism Board to bring back "PATA Adventure Travel Mart" to Nepal in 2020. He said " As we are celebrating Visit Nepal Year in 2020, we believe that the hosting of PATA Adventure Mart once again in 2020 would be a great value-add for the industry and this would add the significant value to meet the target of 2 Million tourists set by the Govt. of Nepal with the Visit Nepal Year 2020." PATA Nepal Chapter on behalf of the Govt. of Nepal and in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board (later on) had hosted PATA Adventure Travel Mart & Conference in Nepal 6 times in Nepal so far.

The Chief Guest, Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Rabindra Adhikari commended PATA Nepal Chapter successfully organizing Himalayan Travel Mart acclaiming that the mart has played an important role in promotion as well as increasing the tourist arrival in the country. He emphasized that the increasing tourist arrival at the present scenario is the collaborative efforts along with the 22 hours operation of TIA and many positive initiatives undertaken. He questioned why people are being frustrated although many positive signs are emerging in the tourism industry of Nepal, and invited all the private sector stakeholders to support and join hands together in the government's mission of establishing economic prosperity through tourism.

PATA Nepal Chapter CEO, Mr. Suresh Singh Budal informed that the 42nd AGM of PATA Nepal Chapter has endorsed various programs and activities for the Nepali Fiscal Year 2075/76 including International marts and Sales Missions, 3rd Himalayan Travel Mart, Human Capital Development (HCD) Workshops and Training Programs, Engagement with the Next Gen (PATA Nepal Student Chapter Movements), Tourism Research, Resource Identification & Product Development, Media & Bloggers Familiarization Trips, Destination Image Building Campaign, etc.