In a significant move to uplift Nepal’s tourism sector through digital education, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal, has officially launched the “Nepal Travel Specialist – Basic Level” online course. This pioneering initiative, hosted on NTB’s dedicated e-learning platform, aims to enhance service quality and professional knowledge across the tourism value chain, from operators and guides to students and agents.
Digital Learning for a Stronger Tourism Future
Developed under the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), a joint initiative between NTB and UNDP, this digital course provides foundational training tailored for individuals engaged in or aspiring to join it’s tourism industry. It marks a cornerstone in NTB’s broader strategy to foster inclusive and sustainable tourism development through modern, accessible educational tools.
Available freely at: https://ntb.caffeinetech.com.np/courses/nepal-travel-specialist-basic, the course comprises 10 self-paced modules that span key areas of tourism:
- Nepal’s geography, culture, and biodiversity
- Popular tourism products: trekking, adventure, wellness, and heritage
- Principles of sustainable tourism and destination stewardship
- Responsible travel and climate resilience
- Customer service, communication, and visitor engagement skills
Each module is enriched with multimedia content, including videos, quizzes, and visual guides, ensuring an interactive and engaging learning experience. Upon completion, learners receive a Certificate of Completion, enhancing their credibility and employability in Nepal’s growing tourism market.
Aimed at Building a Professional Tourism Workforce
The course targets tour operators, travel agents, guides, and tourism students, especially those in rural and underrepresented areas. As a basic-level certification, it also serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a recognized Nepal Travel Specialist, ensuring that professionals have accurate and consistent knowledge to represent the country in global tourism markets.
“This initiative isn’t just about sharing knowledge, it’s about reshaping the future of Nepal’s tourism sector,” said Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board. “With our partnership with UNDP, we’re building the foundation of a more sustainable, inclusive, and professional tourism industry, powered by digital tools.”
Echoing this sentiment, Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Nepal’s Resident Representative, stated, “This course is a manifestation of our joint commitment to improving livelihoods through tourism. It provides equitable access to education, particularly benefiting youth and professionals in remote and rural areas.”
Supporting Nepal’s “Tourism Decade” Vision
This course is part of a broader strategy under the Tourism Decade (2023–2032) declared by the Government of Nepal, which sets an ambitious goal of attracting 3.5 million international tourists annually by 2032. To realize this vision, investments in human capital, digital platforms, and skill enhancement are considered essential.
The Sustainable Tourism Project (2025–2028), under which the course is launched, aims to:
- Create 2,500 new tourism jobs
- Enhance the skills of 5,000 people, especially women and marginalized communities
- Implement infrastructure upgrades and local capacity building in key tourist destinations
- Promote climate resilience and environmental stewardship
- Foster innovation through digital transformation and modern training models
The course also provides global travel professionals and Nepal enthusiasts with access to credible information on iit’s unique offerings, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, serene trekking routes, and wellness retreats, further helping promote Nepal as a high-value destination.
Building on a Strong Foundation of Collaborative Success
The current project draws on the success of previous NTB-UNDP collaborations. Most notably, the Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project (STLRP), initiated in December 2020, helped Nepal’s tourism sector rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. That project generated over 9,900 jobs by restoring key tourism infrastructures and renovating cultural sites in iconic areas like Everest and Annapurna.
Earlier, from 2002 to 2007, the two institutions had also partnered on the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program (TRPAP), which focused on promoting community-based tourism to reduce poverty in rural regions.
Free, Flexible, and Forward-Looking
One of the standout features of the “Nepal Travel Specialist – Basic Level” course is its free access and flexibility, making it ideal for busy professionals, remote learners, and youth just entering the field. It combines ease of access with high-quality content, enabling a wide demographic to benefit without financial or geographical barriers.
The platform’s user-friendly design and self-paced nature allow participants to complete the course at their convenience, thereby aligning with varied learning speeds and schedules. The inclusion of visual and interactive tools boosts retention, making it suitable even for those new to digital education platforms.
As Nepal positions itself as a sustainable and competitive tourism destination in the post-pandemic era, initiatives like this play a crucial role. The “Nepal Travel Specialist – Basic Level” course reflects a long-term commitment to quality, inclusivity, and sustainability, ensuring that the people who power it’s tourism are as exceptional as the experiences they offer.
