With the prime objective of showcasing new perspectives and development of Nepal as a destination, Nepal Tourism Board organized trade orientation programs to Indian travel tour operators in 4 major cities of India – New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The program kicked off in the capital New Delhi on 8th July and concluded with the 4th leg in Bengaluru on 15th. With 130 participants in New Delhi, 110 in Ahmedabad, 130 again in Mumbai, and 90 in Bengaluru, the program was successful in reaching out to almost 500 key professionals across major generating cities in India.
India has consistently commanded a major share in the tourist arrivals, and with the Visit Nepal Year 2020 approaching quick, it becomes all the more important to upscale marketing and promotion interventions there. The program, which was conceptualized based on the realization that proper communication to the right group of travel influencers that Nepal’s diversity stretches beyond the conventionally established and consistently promoted resources and activities viz. nature, culture, adventure, mountaineering, trekking and leisure is crucial to sustain and carry forward the ongoing positive momentum in arrivals from India. Therefore, the program targeted mid-level professionals of tour companies who are directly involved in dealing with travellers, planning itineraries and developing tour packages. Through a series of presentations, the recent developments in key supply elements viz. connectivity, infrastructures including airports, highways and cable cars, core hospitality services including hotel infrastructure and gastronomy, sustainable practices including Accessible Trail and conservation, and the goals, imperatives and pipeline programs under VNY 2020 were presented to a very eager and receptive audience in all 4 cities. The programs were structured in a manner which ensured constant engagement and participation of the audience. In each leg, one luckiest amongst the audience was awarded the all-expenses-paid trip (6 Days 5 Nights) for a couple to Nepal.
Also, Nepal’s prospects as a wedding destination for Indians was explored for the first time ever by participating in the Travel Wedding Show, a very niche B2B event organized by DDPL, India on 13-14 July, 2019 Mumbai. Participated in by 100-plus buyers and sellers each from across the globe, the Nepal delegation had 30 meetings each with top notch wedding planners and wedding specialized travel agents, thereby not only gaining key insights into this very promising and high-volume, high-impact travel portfolio, but also realizing the urgent need to match our supply inventory with respect to the very rigid requirements of hosting Indian weddings. Mr. Udaya Bhattarai, a panelist in the Power Speaker session, presented the advantages and unique experiences Nepal could offer to the wedding planners.
NTB officials Mr. Udaya Bhattarai, Mr. Robin Regmi, and Mr. Sitaram Dahal participated in the program.
