National Tourism Fair 2065
The National Tourism Board of Nepal hosted the National Tourism Fair 2065 on 6 to 8 June 2065 (2008 on the Gregorian calendar). This three day event took place at the United World Trade Center in Tripureshwor with the objective of identifying and promoting various tourism destinations within the borders of Nepal, with the emphasis being placed on the promotion of domestic tourism.
The fair was opened by Lilamani Poudel, the secretary of the ministry of culture, tourism and civil aviation, who also holds the portfolio of chairman of the Nepal Tourism Board. Mr. Poudel expressed his confidence that the fair would be beneficial in promoting domestic tourism products. The chairman of Bangladesh Prajatan Corporation, Shafique Alam Mehdi, was a guest of honor. He put forward a proposal for Bangladesh and Nepal to embark on a joint tourism promotion in the international market. Other dignitaries and high profile individuals who attended the opening of the National Tourism Fair 2065, included Prachanda Man Shretha, the CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, a number of the Nepal Tourism Board’s senior officials and members of the Constituent Assembly, along with tourism operators, hoteliers and representatives of the media.
More than sixty exhibitors from different regions of Nepal were present at the National Tourism Fair 2065. Exhibitors included travel agents and tourism institutions showcasing the natural wonders and tourist attractions of their own particular regions, local community officials to offer insight on the infrastructure of their regions, as well as representatives from a variety of tourism-related businesses. Handicraft items were also on display, as well as a wide variety of tourism publications.
The program for the first day of the fair featured one-on-one business sessions between Kathmandu’s tour operators and operators in the various districts of Nepal. The fair went on to include a multitude of documentary shows and cultural programs. Visitors could also enjoy cultural performances by different ethnic groups, as well as pottery making and various craft demonstrations.
In addition to serving as an important platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to share information with regard to Nepali tourism, it’s anticipated that the National Tourism Fair 2065 will create awareness of the necessity to improve the standard of living of people living in rural areas. Promotion of tourism in these areas, many of which are rich in history, culture and natural beauty, will no doubt result in benefits for the local inhabitants, while tourists get the opportunity to discover the beauty of Nepal.
