The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has officially welcomed its five newly appointed private-sector members to the Executive Committee, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening public-private collaboration, promoting result-oriented tourism development, and ensuring good governance.
The five members, appointed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on Shrawan 1, were formally welcomed during a programme held at the NTB headquarters on Monday.
Welcoming the new members, Acting Chief Executive Officer Hikmat Singh Ayer presented an overview of the Board's vision, policies, programmes, organizational structure, major achievements, ongoing challenges, and future opportunities. He also highlighted the accomplishments of the previous fiscal year and briefed the members on preparations for Nepal Wellness Year 2027, one of the Board's key tourism initiatives.
Ayer emphasized that closer cooperation between the Nepal Tourism Board and the private sector will be essential to enhance Nepal's tourism promotion efforts and strengthen the country's position as a leading travel destination.
New Board Members Pledge Stronger Collaboration
Newly appointed Executive Committee member Santosh Pokhrel expressed his commitment to working closely with all tourism stakeholders to promote Nepal through innovative ideas and practical approaches. He described the private sector as a key pillar of tourism development and stressed the importance of removing existing barriers, addressing industry challenges, and ensuring the effective utilization of available resources.
Board member Srijana KC highlighted the importance of building stronger coordination between the government and the private sector. She emphasized that research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking are essential for the sustainable development of Nepal's tourism industry. KC also called for greater use of information technology to improve Nepal's competitiveness in the global tourism market.
Focus on Protection, Quality, and Institutional Strengthening
Executive Committee member Sahadev Dhamala expressed confidence that the Nepal Tourism Board would play a more proactive role in addressing the concerns of the private sector. He suggested that the upcoming fiscal year's tourism budget should prioritize the three pillars of tourism development: Protection, Preservation, and Promotion, while maintaining a strong focus on quality tourism and sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, Board member Pemba Sherpa stressed the need to expedite the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Nepal Tourism Board. He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the Board's priority programmes and ensuring that institutional interests remain above personal interests.
A Positive Step for Nepal's Tourism Sector
The appointment and formal welcome of the new Executive Committee members mark an important step toward strengthening collaboration between the government and the private sector. With renewed leadership and a shared commitment to innovation, transparency, and effective governance, the Board aims to accelerate Nepal's tourism recovery and long-term sustainable growth.
Industry stakeholders expect the strengthened partnership to support improved policy implementation, better resource mobilization, enhanced destination promotion, and greater international competitiveness for Nepal's tourism sector.
