Second NATTA Himalayan International Travel Mart kicks off

The Second NATTA Himalayan International Travel Mart 2007 has kicked off in Kathmandu.

In the sidelines of Second NATTA Himalayan International Travel Mart 2007, "National Tourism Fair" is also being organized by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on the same date to promote the unique tourism products of the country, culture, tradition and lifestyle of people to domestic as well as international tourists.

The fair is organised under the aegis of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and supported by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCCA), the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC).

The fair is organised with an objective of promoting the unique nature, culture and adventure of Nepal in national and international arena.

Inaugurating the travel Mart, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCCA), Prithivi Subba Gurung said “Tourism can alleviate poverty and help the nation to achieve sustainable growth”

He further informed that the government has kept tourism as the strongest agenda of economic sector.

Madhav Ghimire, Secretary at Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCCA) said Nepali tourism habours unique products and services and the time has come to harness the benefit of this sector in the changed context of peace in the country.

“Government of Nepal is committed to improve the quality of services, infrastructure and plan to come up with comprehensive package to revive the ailing industry”, he said.

He also said that the government will soon resolve the problems of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC).

Similarly, Subash Nirola, officiating chief executive officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said While talking about tourism, we have to reach to the poorest section of society then only tourism can benefit to the nation.

According to the organizers, the mart would be a perfect platform to meet, discuss, negotiate and ultimately clinch the deal under one umbrella for speedy recovery and sustainable growth of Nepal's tourism.

In the three day fair, more than 100 tour operators from India, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and UAE are taking part in the mart.

Earlier, the International Travel Mart was successfully organised for the first time in Nepal in 2005.