Nepal Presents Tourism at Guangzhou International Travel Fair 2024
The PATA Nepal Chapter, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and seven private sector partners, showcased Nepal’s tourism at the 32nd Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) held in May 2024. The event spanned over 30,000 square meters and attracted over 40,000 attendees from China and abroad.
Nepal’s Recognition at GITF
On May 16, the Nepal Tourism Board delivered a compelling presentation to promote Nepal to local Chinese visitors and tour operators. The PATA Nepal Chapter received the Gold Award for “Overall Performance” from the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute and the “Best Partner” Award from GITF at the Buyers Night event. Additionally, the Nepal Tourism Board was honored with the “Most Popular Cultural Tourism Destination” Award from GITF, while Jugal Holidays of Nepal earned the Gold Award for “Product Innovation” from the same institute.
Panel Discussion on Sustainable Tourism
During the GITF 2024 Conference, key figures from the Nepal Tourism Board, including Ms. Lakpa Phuti Sherpa, Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, and Mr. Kundan Sharma, participated in a panel discussion focused on ‘Sustainable Tourism Offerings of Nepal for Chinese Visitors during the Times of Climate Change.’ The session was moderated by Dr. Timothy Lee from Macao University of Science and Technology.
Industry Perspectives on Nepal’s Tourism
Representatives from Nepal’s tourism industry shared positive feedback on their participation in GITF. Mr. Sujit Regmi, Executive Director of Nepal Big Mountain Travel Company, expressed optimism about Nepal’s visibility and tourism promotion at the event. Mr. Himmat Puri, Executive Director of Destinago Tours & Travels, highlighted the importance of Nepal’s post-pandemic participation in GITF to reconnect with Chinese operators and trade visitors. Ms. Neeta Thapa, Director of Sales representing Hilton Kathmandu, emphasized the potential of Nepal as a destination in the Chinese market.
Call for Enhanced Promotion
Mr. Deepesh KC, General Manager of Hotel Himalaya, emphasized the need for Nepal to prioritize digital presence and promotion on various platforms popular in the Chinese market. Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, highlighted the importance of expanding the Nepal Tourism Board’s presence in key source markets to effectively promote Nepal’s tourism offerings to the Chinese market.
Nepal’s successful participation at GITF 2024 underscores the potential of the Chinese tourism market. The industry calls for continued efforts to enhance promotion, increase digital presence, and expand the Nepal Tourism Board’s reach in key source markets to fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by this vast and growing market.
