In a significant step towards women empowerment in tourism and the development of sustainable tourism practices in Nepal, Shobha Neupane, proprietor of Hotel Admire, has been unanimously elected as the new president of the Tourism Entrepreneur Women Association Nepal (TEWAN). The announcement came during the organization’s seventh general assembly and fourth convention, held on Thursday in Pokhara.
Newly Elected Executive Committee of TEWAN
Established in 2074 B.S., TEWAN has been an active platform uniting female tourism professionals of Pokhara and organizing various initiatives aimed at capacity-building, networking, and sectoral advocacy. The association currently boasts a membership base of 140 women engaged in diverse sectors of the tourism industry.
The newly elected executive committee of TEWAN includes former president Kamala Giri, vice-president Anita Khadka, general secretary Shobha Adhikari, secretary Shanta Subedi, treasurer Sharda Lamsal, and senior member Kamala Gurung. The elected members are Meena Baral, Bishnumaya Gurung, Sudha Subedi, and Jaya Karki, reflecting a team of experienced and passionate tourism professionals.
The event, attended by key figures in tourism, politics, and administration, was graced by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Gandaki Provincial Assembly Members Prakash Baral and Saraswati Gurung, former president of FNCCI Anand Raj Mulmi, Chief District Officer of Kaski Rudradevi Sharma, Pokhara Visit Year 2025 coordinator Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai, tourism expert Sanjaya Kant Sigdel, outgoing TEWAN IPP president Kamala Giri, Gandaki Province Press Registrar Bimala Bhandari, and FNJ Gandaki president Ramesh Paudel, among others.
On the occasion, TEWAN also launched its official souvenir publication titled ‘Parikalpana’, aiming to highlight the association’s journey, achievements, and future vision. The souvenir was jointly unveiled by Minister Pandey and other dignitaries.
As a part of the event’s highlight, TEWAN honored two exemplary individuals who have significantly contributed to Nepal’s tourism industry. The Late Hutaraj Shrestha Memorial Tourism Award was presented to senior tourism entrepreneur Haridwoj Tulachan and rural tourism activist Urmila Gurung. Both received a certificate of appreciation, a traditional shawl, and a cash prize of NPR 15,505 each, presented by Minister Pandey.
Tulachan, 81, is a pioneering figure in Pokhara’s tourism development. He founded the Dragon Hotel, one of the city’s early tourist accommodations, and has devoted over six decades to promoting tourism, social service, and cultural preservation. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact on Pokhara’s identity as a tourist hub.
Similarly, 36-year-old Urmila Gurung has played a leadership role in developing Sirubari, Syangja, Nepal’s first recognized tourism village. Leaving behind the urban comforts of Pokhara, she has returned to her roots and dedicated herself to promoting homestay tourism and cultural experiences. She leads hospitality services, manages home-stay operations, and curates cultural programs for visitors. Additionally, she has been actively involved in training other communities across the country in homestay management, inspiring a new generation of rural tourism leaders.
The awardees were selected based on the recommendations of a talent selection committee chaired by tourism expert Sanjaya Kant Sigdel. The award fund was established by Tumla Shrestha, the wife of the late Hutaraj Shrestha, with an endowment of NPR 651,111. TEWAN plans to present the award annually to a deserving tourism contributor in Nepal.
Outgoing president Kamala Giri was honored by fellow executive members for her exceptional leadership and contribution in elevating TEWAN’s profile and impact. Similarly, journalists Bishwo Bhandari and Bijaya Nepal were recognized with letters of appreciation for their efforts in promoting tourism through media.
Newly elected president Shobha Neupane, speaking after her appointment, outlined her vision for the future of TEWAN. “We will continue our regular programs and this year, we plan to organize the Third Teej Cultural Festival, which will also include participation from international tourists. Alongside our core mission of empowering women in tourism, we will now place greater emphasis on eco-tourism and sustainable tourism,” she stated. Neupane highlighted the need for training and awareness programs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry while strengthening the role of women within it.
TEWAN’s recent convention not only reflects a commitment to fostering female leadership in tourism but also highlights a growing awareness of sustainable practices and community-based models that can shape Nepal’s tourism future. The combination of honoring industry pioneers, empowering new leaders, and celebrating cultural heritage marked the event as a milestone in Pokhara’s and Nepal’s tourism journey.
