At a formal ceremony marking its 51st Anniversary, held alongside its 47th Annual General Meeting at The Plaza, Kathmandu, under the theme "Resilient Nepal," the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter honored seven individuals and organizations for their courage, humanity, and contributions to Nepal during the recent Bhotekoshi flood crisis and beyond.

At the function, each honoree received a certificate of appreciation jointly signed by the Hon. Tourism Minister and the Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter. The Chapter said the recognition was meant not only to honor extraordinary acts during the flood response, but also to celebrate the spirit of service and stewardship that has shaped Nepal's tourism community over five decades of public-private partnership.

The honorees were:

1.     Professor Arnold Dix, International Tunnelling and Underground-Space Specialist
2.     Captain Priya Adhikari, Nepal's First Female Helicopter Captain
3.     Mr. André Lüthi, Author and President, Globetrotter
4.      World Central Kitchen, represented by Mr. Dylan Dugas
5.      Mr. Rajendra Dawadi, Head Teacher, Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School
6.      Mr. Bikram Karki, Search and Rescue Team Leader; Mountain Rescue Coordinator, Nepal Mountaineering Association
7.       Ms. Choy Teh, Head of PR & Partnerships / Destination Strategist, Horus Development & Consulting

Professor Arnold Dix, an internationally renowned tunneling and underground rescue engineer, provided critical scientific and strategic guidance to Nepalese authorities and hydropower organizations during the tunnel disaster response. He drew on decades of expertise, including his role in the Silkyara Tunnel rescue in India.

Captain Priya Adhikari, Nepal's first female helicopter captain, flew more than 100 rescue sorties in six days, helping evacuate hundreds of stranded survivors from remote, high-altitude terrain.

Mr. André Lüthi, author and President of the Globetrotter Group, was recognized for his decades of leadership in responsible, experience-driven travel and his enduring advocacy for the Himalaya as a destination.

World Central Kitchen was honored for its emergency response in the flood-affected districts, where it helped move supplies and equipment to community kitchens that served thousands of meals to displaced families. Mr. Dylan Dugas accepted the recognition on behalf of the organization.

Mr. Rajendra Dawadi, head teacher of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Bidur, Nuwakot, evacuated nearly 900 students on foot and turned back buses carrying hundreds more before a bridge collapsed. His actions spared the school's full enrollment of 1,643 children moments before the building was swept away.

Mr. Bikram Karki, Search and Rescue Team Leader during the flash floods and Mountain Rescue Coordinator for the Nepal Mountaineering Association, led specialized rescue units through hazardous, debris-strewn terrain across Rasuwa and Nuwakot. He coordinated with military, government, and international agencies to save lives.

Ms. Choy Teh, Head of PR & Partnerships and Destination Strategist at Horus Development & Consulting, was recognized for her continued work promoting Nepal on the international travel stage and building tourism partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.