“It’s not just about sales targets, it’s about building a supportive community, promoting Nepal’s tourism, and growing together.” Mr. Dipak Pokhrel
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Dipak Pokhrel, the General Secretary of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association of Nepal (HSMAN), opens up about the association’s goals, vision, and its recent successful event “Sales Meet 2025 – Meet & Greet Program.” Held at Best Western Plus Kathmandu on July 4, 2025, the flagship event brought together hospitality sales and marketing professionals from across the country. Mr. Pokhrel discussed the association’s foundation, long-term objectives, and how HSMAN is becoming a game-changer for Nepal’s tourism industry.
A Visionary Beginning
“It is my pleasure to introduce you all to the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association of Nepal,” Mr. Pokhrel began with a smile. “HSMAN is a dynamic platform built to connect, empower, and uplift professionals working in the hospitality sales and marketing sector.”
Describing HSMAN not just as an organization but a community, he emphasized the spirit of collaboration. “We are a group of passionate individuals who care deeply about excellence and progress. Our mission is to create a space where ideas flow, support is mutual, and growth is a shared journey.”
Mr. Pokhrel explained how the association was born out of a need to build bridges between fragmented professionals in Nepal’s fast-evolving hospitality sector. “There was no centralized platform that truly catered to sales and marketing professionals within hospitality. That gap is what HSMAN has filled.”
Building Connections and Sharing Knowledge
“One of our main objectives is to unite hospitality sales professionals across Nepal and create a trusted platform,” he explained. “We aim to facilitate meaningful connections, the exchange of experiences, and strategic knowledge that helps each individual and organization thrive.”
When asked about the role of networking, Mr. Pokhrel shared, “Hospitality is fundamentally about people. Sales and marketing in this industry depend on relationships, both external and internal. Through HSMAN, we are nurturing these relationships and encouraging best practices.”
He stressed the importance of continuous learning, saying, “The market is dynamic. Consumer preferences shift, technology evolves, and global standards rise. HSMAN ensures that our professionals are not left behind.”
The Personal and Professional Growth Agenda
Turning the focus to individual development, Mr. Pokhrel expressed his belief in empowering people first. “When individuals grow, the whole organization benefits. We want our members to learn from each other’s successes and failures, to build confidence, develop leadership qualities, and sharpen communication skills.”
He added that HSMAN is not just about skill enhancement but about mindset transformation. “We are here to build resilient, forward-thinking professionals who aren’t afraid to innovate and challenge the status quo.” According to him, this community approach enhances not only job satisfaction but also long-term career success. “We want every member to feel supported, like they are part of something larger than just a job.”
Promoting Nepal’s Tourism through Stronger Marketing
Nepal’s tourism sector holds enormous potential, and Mr. Pokhrel believes the sales and marketing dimension is critical to unlocking it. “One of our core missions is to contribute directly to the promotion of Nepal’s tourism. A stronger, more strategic approach to marketing is key.”
He spoke passionately about elevating the country’s global presence. “Our natural beauty is unmatched, but we need smart storytelling, international exposure, and consistent branding. That’s where trained sales and marketing professionals can make all the difference.”
Mr. Pokhrel added that HSMAN supports innovations that align with Nepal’s unique cultural identity while meeting modern travelers’ expectations. “We are blending tradition with technology, and emotion with analytics.”
Sales Meet 2025: A Milestone in the Journey
Reflecting on the recently held flagship event, Mr. Pokhrel was visibly energized. “Sales Meet 2025 was more than just a networking event, it was a celebration of community and commitment. We had participation from seasoned veterans, enthusiastic newcomers, and even students interested in hospitality careers.”
The event, held on July 4 at Best Western Plus Kathmandu, was a remarkable gathering,” Mr. Pokhrel shared. “It was inspiring to witness how quickly professionals connected over shared challenges and innovative solutions, the energy was truly electric.” He added that the event marked a new chapter in HSMAN’s journey. “It proved that our vision resonates. We’re building something that people genuinely want to be a part of.
Looking Ahead: The Roadmap for HSMAN
When asked about the future, Mr. Pokhrel was clear and focused. “We are currently expanding our reach. We plan to conduct regular workshops, regional meetups, and training sessions. We want to collaborate with educational institutions to bridge the gap between academia and the real-world needs of the industry.”
He also highlighted plans to publish knowledge resources and case studies specific to Nepal’s market. “We want our professionals to have access to relevant data and strategies, not just imported models that may not fit our context.” Mr. Pokhrel also underscored the importance of inclusivity. “Whether someone is from a five-star hotel in Kathmandu or a boutique resort in Pokhara, their voice matters. HSMAN is for everyone in this sector.”
A Final Message
Closing the conversation, Mr. Pokhrel left an inspiring message. “Let’s not view our work in hospitality sales and marketing as just about achieving targets. Let’s see it as a chance to tell Nepal’s story, to build meaningful connections, and to grow together as individuals, as teams, and as an industry.” He urged all professionals to actively participate and share their expertise. “Together, we can elevate the standards of hospitality in Nepal. Let’s grow, connect, and succeed, together.”
