Nepal Tourism Board is leaving no stones unturned in their effort to revive the travel trends after recovering from the massive earthquake in 2015. Mr. Santosh Kumar Ghimire, Manager, Tourism Products and Resources Development, Nepal Tourism shared his views with Satyaki Dutta, Correspondent, Netpal Travel during TTF Kolkata 2019 on the prospects and travel trends prevailing in Nepal tourism
- What percentage of tourist inflow you have observed in Nepal in 2019 so far if compared to 2018?
In comparison to 2018, we have increased traffic of around 10 to 15 percent till now. The trend is positive and growing.
- What sort of travellers do you get?
Our main generating markets are either India or China. As we are in close proximity to India, maximum tourists like religious, nature and adventure lovers, interested people to know about our rich culture and heritage, pour in from India. We have great hotels and five-star properties, not only in Kathmandu but also in various parts of the country, many more are coming up, hence MICE tourists are increasing as well.
We are launching two five-star hotels near Siliguri in West Bengal similarly in the western Nepal too in Dhangadhi or Butwal. Hence, Indian MICE tourism prospering in these cities, near the border. Besides, we are anticipating more destination weddings, conferences and corporate events.
- What about the infrastructure and accommodation?
In terms of infrastructure and accommodation, it is growing and possesses best quality in any part of the country.
- How do you promote wildlife tourism in Nepal?
Chitwan is already famous for wildlife internationally, hence wildlife tourism is well-established. There are other places which are coming up like Bardiya National Park, recognised by various international organisations in ITB Berlin, for its eco-tourism, friendly activities and jungle activities.
- How about the adventure sports?
There are lot of adventure sports across the country from a number of locations, like para-gliding, bungee jumping, and so on. We also have mountain biking, trekking and hiking. Another very special aspect in Nepal is the Mount Everest flight. Children and the elderly are not able to reach the mountains by trekking, hence they avail these flights and marvel at the ranges from close proximity. During monsoon, it remains closed, but generally is in very high demand.
- What feedback you get while participating in the tourism events? What are your future plans?
Giving priority to the Indian market is our first preference. Hence have some special plans like educative and training sessions for the operators. In different parts of India, it is going on five major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and so on. There are programs for Nepalese and Indian tour operators as well, on how they can be mutually benefited from their collaboration.
- What are your marketing strategies?
Marketing strategies are in place with the target of 2020. We have given priorities to emerging destination developments. We are also developing 100 new destinations. Nepal tourism was earlier done in the triangle cities like Kathmandu, Pokhra and Chitwan. Now, we are in a position to diversify the products, as we have prospects outside also. We are in the process of developing and investing in the 100 destinations, which will grow as tourism hubs, sub-hubs and later joining together.
- Are there any brand-development projects going on?
Pathibhara Devi Temple located on the hill of Taplejung is one of the major hubs which we are linking with all the nearby sub-hubs, promoted henceforth.
- What are your expansion plans?
We are making more accommodation facilities and best infrastructure. The government is opting for road constructions too. Even there is a Co-operative project of expanding the railway lines in Nepal in collaboration with Indian Railways. It will soon be initiated from Janakpur to Bardibas. In recent times, the flight connectivity of Buddha Air has started from Kolkata. The railway connectivity will be expanded through the Terai belt of Nepal. Hence, Indian trains will touch the nearby cities in Nepal border.
- What incentives or educative tools you provide to the travel trade?
Sometimes we give incentives to travel agents based on their performances every year. For the educational training, we are organising package training, digital marketing training, training on how to get connected with other tour operators worldwide, especially in India or China. I look after the training in the office too, develop consensus on what type of training we need with the associations and syllabus been based on their need. We have trained patrons for that and we have hired trainers in IT training sectors.