The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a formal program on Tuesday to welcome Hari Prasad Mainali, the newly appointed Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA). Secretary Mainali, who was recently transferred from the Ministry of Health and Population, also assumed his role as Chairperson of the NTB during the event.
Nepal Tourism Board Embraces New Leadership
The program, held at the NTB premises in Kathmandu, was attended by key tourism stakeholders, officials from the ministry, and employees of the board. Highlighting the importance of new leadership, the event also marked the official swearing-in of newly appointed board members, senior tourism entrepreneur and luxury adventure tourism pioneer Narendra Dev Bhatt, and President of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Kumar Mani Thapaliya.
In his address, NTB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deepak Raj Joshi welcomed the newly appointed Secretary and members, expressing confidence that their guidance, innovative ideas, and broad experience would bring new energy to the board’s ongoing efforts to advance Nepal’s tourism sector.
He said, “With the visionary guidance of Secretary Mainali and the diversity of experience brought by our new board members, we anticipate a stronger foundation for national and international collaborations. Our focus will be on implementing sustainable tourism policies through cooperative efforts.”
CEO Joshi also presented an overview of the board’s current activities, strategic priorities, and upcoming programs. He emphasized the board’s commitment to creating a sustainable and prosperous tourism environment that leverages Nepal’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the event, Secretary Mainali expressed his satisfaction in engaging directly with the tourism board’s ongoing work. “Tourism is a pillar of Nepal’s economic prosperity. It generates employment, boosts income, and promotes our national identity on the global stage,” he remarked.
He further highlighted his role as an administrative leader and pledged to facilitate policy-level support and problem-solving mechanisms within the tourism sector. “While our tenures in these roles may be temporary, I am committed to ensuring that the work done during this period brings long-term satisfaction and contributes meaningfully to the nation’s tourism growth,” he added.
Secretary Mainali also expressed his belief that the combination of experience and energy among the new board members would deliver tangible results. He underscored the need for collective efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to cooperation in enhancing the board’s effectiveness.
Also present at the event were Joint Secretary of the Ministry, Indu Ghimire, NTB officials, and staff members who warmly welcomed the new leadership and board representatives.
The appointment of Narendra Dev Bhatt and Kumar Mani Thapaliya has been viewed as a strategic step toward revitalizing Nepal’s tourism leadership. Bhatt, a well-respected name in luxury and adventure tourism, brings decades of field knowledge and innovation to the board. Thapaliya, as the current NATTA president, is known for his active involvement in promoting organized and responsible travel practices within and beyond Nepal.
CEO Joshi concluded the event with a call for unified action, saying, “We aim to bring about transformation through synergy. The current leadership structure is a promising blend of administrative strength, field experience, and strategic vision.”
The event marks a significant moment for Nepal’s tourism governance, especially as the country prepares to rebuild and rebrand its global image in the post-pandemic era. With new leadership at the helm and fresh perspectives being introduced into the board’s structure, the NTB is set to pursue a renewed and collaborative path toward sustainable tourism development.
