The Society of Travel and Tour Operators (SOTTO) Nepal, an umbrella organization of travel and tour operators across the country, has elected its new leadership under the presidency of tourism entrepreneur Man Bahadur Shahi. Shahi, who is also the Managing Director of Farwest Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd., and a prominent tourism leader from the Sudurpaschim region, was unanimously elected as the new President of SOTTO Nepal during the organization’s General Assembly held on Saturday in Kathmandu.
Operating under the slogan “Collective Voice for Prosperous Tourism,” SOTTO Nepal formed a 15-member executive committee to guide the organization in the coming term. The newly elected executive body reflects both regional and industry-wide representation and is expected to play a crucial role in advocating for the collective interests of Nepal’s tourism sector.
A Unanimous Mandate for Inclusive Leadership
Alongside President Man Bahadur Shahi, the new leadership team includes Dinesh Basnet as First Vice-President, Madhav Kandel as Second Vice-President, Kumar Parajuli as General Secretary, Kamal Bahadur Magar as Secretary, Madhusudan Nepal as Treasurer, and Ananda Kumar Chhetri as Joint Treasurer. The executive committee members include Bindu Pradhan, Om Joshi, Dasuram Gautam, Anisha Gyawali, Subodh Dhital, Prem Kumar Danuwar, and Sujit Yadav.
The selection of this committee marks a strategic move towards a more inclusive and coordinated leadership approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and grassroots representation from all regions of Nepal, particularly underrepresented areas like Sudurpaschim.
President Shahi Vows for Collaborative and Transparent Governance
Addressing the General Assembly after his election, President Shahi expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and described his new role as both an honor and a responsibility. He emphasized that leading SOTTO Nepal is not just a matter of personal achievement but a significant opportunity to represent the voices of tourism professionals from the far western region and the entire nation.
“It is not just about leading an organization,” said Shahi, “It is about working collectively for the overall betterment of the tourism sector, building sustainable practices, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.”
He further highlighted the need for a transparent and inclusive member selection process, strong cooperation with the government and tourism-related stakeholders, and the importance of responsible leadership. He committed to voicing the problems faced by travel and tour operators across the country and to lobbying for government action to improve accessibility and promote tourist destinations.
Recognizing Contributions and Strengthening Networks
The event also included a special felicitation ceremony where Deepak Raj Joshi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, and other distinguished figures from the tourism industry were honored for their enduring contributions to Nepal’s tourism promotion and development.
Former Presidents of SOTTO Nepal were also felicitated during the program for their leadership and service, setting an inspiring tone of continuity, recognition, and respect for institutional history.
Representatives and participants at the event commended SOTTO Nepal’s continued role as a strong voice of the private tourism sector, and many expressed confidence in the newly elected committee’s ability to deliver impactful results. Several participants noted that the new leadership is expected to bring about meaningful internal reforms and lead initiatives that will elevate Nepal’s presence at both national and international tourism platforms.
Expectations from the New Executive Team
The newly formed committee has received praise for its diverse composition, which includes seasoned tourism professionals from multiple regions and backgrounds. The team is anticipated to focus on:
- Promoting regional destinations and increasing tourist flow across lesser-known areas.
- Advocating for policy reforms to ease business operations for travel operators.
- Enhancing capacity-building among tourism entrepreneurs.
- Ensuring greater participation of women and marginalized communities in the sector.
- Expanding Nepal’s tourism promotion through international partnerships and travel expos.
With the global tourism landscape recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving rapidly due to technology and shifting preferences, the new SOTTO Nepal leadership faces both challenges and opportunities. There is growing demand for responsible and sustainable tourism, and the organization is well-positioned to lead such initiatives in Nepal.
A Renewed Commitment to Tourism Prosperity
As Nepal looks forward to rebuilding and expanding its tourism sector, organizations like SOTTO Nepal play a pivotal role in policy advocacy, destination promotion, and capacity enhancement. With Man Bahadur Shahi’s leadership, the sector expects more grassroots engagement, and better coordination between government and the private sector.
The tourism community has high hopes that the newly elected team will work with a strategic, inclusive, and development-focused approach, building on the foundations laid by their predecessors while exploring new possibilities for Nepal’s tourism-driven prosperity.
The General Assembly concluded with a strong message of unity and collaboration, reminding all stakeholders that a thriving tourism industry requires the collective effort of every actor in the ecosystem, from local guides and operators to policymakers and international partners.
