We, PATA Nepal Chapter family, are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing away of our Founder Member and Treasurer, Mr. Joti Lal Khanna in New Delhi last night.
Late Mr. Khanna, a well-known pioneer and great contributor to the Tourism and Hospitality industry of Nepal was born on 10th May 1939 in Lahore, then part of undivided India. After his graduation at 21 years of age, the young, energetic and passionate Mr. Khanna came to Kathmandu, Nepal in 1960 and started his professional career as a Manager of Hotel Coronation at Dilli Bazar.
Mr. Khanna joined Yeti Travels in late 1968 as Director of Sales and became Managing Director in 1972. With his vast experience in tourism and excellent personal contacts and untiring efforts and inputs, brought the company to the level of being the largest and one of the best tour and travel organization in South Asia. The contribution of Yeti Travels to promote Nepal as a tourist destination is unmatched and praiseworthy with its glorious history.
PATA Nepal Chapter is eternally indebted to the invaluable contributions of its Founder Member Mr. Joti Lal Khanna who embarked upon with specific responsibilities for the formation of the PATA Nepal Chapter in 1975 together with our Founding Chairman Emeritus the late Mr. Prabhakar SJB Rana, Mr. D.B. Rana, Mr. I.K. Pradhan, Mr. Gopal Subedi and Mr. Edward McCarthy.
Mr. Khanna served PATA Nepal Chapter from its inception as the Honorary Treasurer of the association from September 1975 and he had always been in the PATA Executive Committee serving the association for nearly 3 decades till 2005.
Mr. Khanna, as the head of the Finance Committee, initiated the concept of "50 Paisa Contribution" per head for each tourist handled in Nepal to raise the general fund of the association wherein members and tourism-related organizations, corporations, hotels, etc., were encouraged to contribute in the mission of intensifying the promotional and marketing efforts of Nepal as a destination at large for which PATA Nepal Chapter was and is well acclaimed and responsible.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in Nepal in 2004 with the support of the Tourism Ministry, Royal Nepal Airlines and Yeti Travels under the leadership of JL Khanna; which was a giant leap in the ticketing business in Nepal.
Mr. Khanna was one of the pioneer tourism activists in Nepal who worked on different layers of services in travel and tourism associations including;
- World Association of Travel Agents (WATA)
- American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
- Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) as President from 2001 till 2004.
- Patron of Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) in Nepal.
Mr. Khanna has received multiple prestigious awards and recognitions, such as:
- Pioneer of the Pacific Award by PATA in 1976.
- Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (Fourth), conferred by His late Majesty King Birendra of Nepal in 1997.
- Sagarmatha Award by NATTA and "Tourism Promotion Award" by Travel Media Forum of New Delhi (India) in 1997 and many other awards and recognitions.
PATA Nepal Chapter is indebted to Mr. Khanna for his invaluable contribution to the association, as well as his lifelong dedication, untiring efforts and remarkable roles for over 45 Years to the promotion and development of the tourism sector in Nepal.
May the Almighty Embrace his departed soul and grant him eternal peace and may his family be blessed with the strength to bear this irreparable loss!!
With fondest memories and deepest condolences!
Bibhuti Chand Thakur
Chairman & PATA Nepal Chapter Family