HAN Holds High-Level Discussion on Tourism Promotion and Development

Hotel Association Nepal, under the chairmanship of the President, Binayak Shah, held a high-level discussion on October 27, 2026 with the Minister Mr. Khadak Raj Paudel (Ganess) and senior officials of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on key issues concerning the promotion, development, and strengthening of Nepal’s tourism sector.

The discussion focused on strategies to ensure the full and effective operation of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, with a view to enhancing international air connectivity, increasing tourist arrivals, and promoting Nepal's tourism at large.

The meeting also deliberated on the restructuring of the Nepal Tourism Board to make it more effective, responsive, and result-oriented in fulfilling its mandate of promoting Nepal in the global changed context. Similarly, discussions were held on measures to strengthen and streamline Nepal Airlines Corporation to improve its operational efficiency, service delivery, and competitiveness in the international aviation market, thereby harnessing its capacity to benefit the tourism industry.

Another key agenda was the establishment of a National Tourism Authority to provide a more integrated and coordinated institutional framework for the overall development and promotion of Nepal’s tourism industry. Participants emphasized the need to advance this initiative effectively to address existing institutional challenges and ensure sustainable, systematic, and comprehensive tourism development.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary and Joint Secretaries of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Board Members of the Nepal Tourism Board, the Acting CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, and presidents and office-bearers of various tourism-related associations and organizations.

The discussion reflected a shared commitment among government authorities and tourism stakeholders to strengthen institutional coordination, improve tourism infrastructure and services, and advance strategic initiatives for the sustainable growth and international promotion of Nepal’s tourism industry.

The meeting also decided to continue this type of discussion among tourism associations and government bodies periodically.