A two-day Tourism Photo Journalism Training has commenced in Biratnagar, the capital of Koshi Province, with the objective of empowering journalists to tell the story of tourism through the lens of a camera. The training, which began on Tuesday, aims to strengthen the role of photojournalism in promoting Nepal’s natural beauty, culture, and human stories at the national and international levels.
The program is jointly organized by the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), a collaborative initiative between the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the National Federation of Photo Journalists (NFPJ). The training is being conducted free of cost.
Participants from All 14 Districts of Koshi Province
Representatives from all 14 districts of Koshi Province are participating in the training, with two participants from each district selected for the program. The trainees include individuals engaged in both tourism promotion and photo journalism. Through the workshop, they are learning how to effectively capture and communicate Nepal’s scenic landscapes, vibrant culture, and human experiences through photography.
Media’s Role in Tourism Promotion
Speaking at the opening session, Ms. Sushila Baral, Senior Officer at the Nepal Tourism Board, said that the NTB has been conducting such training sessions in all seven provinces in different phases. She expressed confidence that the program would enhance the skills of participants and contribute to the overall promotion of tourism in Nepal.
“Media has played a crucial role in the development of Nepal’s tourism sector for decades,” Baral remarked. “With the rapid advancement of technology, global tourism trends are constantly evolving. In this context, the Nepal Tourism Board has been conducting these trainings not only to promote our destinations but also to strengthen the capacity of our journalist community. We believe that, after this training, participants will be able to showcase the unique stories of Koshi Province’s destinations to the world through the power of photography.”
Need for Quality Journalism
Ms. Sushila Pathak, Chairperson of the Morang Chapter of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), highlighted that such trainings are essential at a time when the quality of journalism in Nepal is deteriorating.
“The overall quality of media has weakened in recent years,” Pathak said. “Many journalists are struggling to adapt to the fast-changing technological environment. In the era of social media dominance, it is vital that we promote the tourism potential of Koshi Province more effectively. This type of capacity-building training is essential for improving journalistic standards and ensuring consistent skill development in the days ahead.”
Linking Tourism with Visual Storytelling
Mr. Pradeep Raj Onta, President of the National Federation of Photo Journalists, emphasized the growing importance of integrating tourism and photojournalism to showcase Nepal’s beauty to the world.
“If we fail to tell Nepal’s story through the camera lens, we risk falling behind,” Onta noted. “Sustainable tourism development is inseparable from journalism. A single powerful photograph can express what thousands of words cannot. Through this training, we aim to help photojournalists bring Nepal’s diverse destinations to the global audience through compelling visuals.”
Practical and Theoretical Sessions
In the first session, Mr. Dilip Prakash Karki, Communication Consultant at the Nepal Tourism Board, presented an overview of the NTB’s establishment, the importance of tourism journalism, and the various processes involved in effective tourism communication.
Similarly, Mr. Sunil Chhuda Bajracharya, Mr. Prakash Chandra Timilsina, and Mr. Pradeep Raj Onta conducted sessions on the evolution of photo journalism, the role of photography in media, and practical techniques for capturing impactful images. The sessions combine both theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning experiences, allowing participants to practice their skills in real-time. The training program was facilitated by Mr. Pradeep Shrestha, Treasurer of the National Federation of Photo Journalists.
Empowering Local Storytellers
By equipping participants with professional photography and storytelling skills, the program aims to build a new generation of tourism photojournalists capable of visually narrating Nepal’s diverse heritage. Organizers hope that the initiative will not only enhance local capacity but also strengthen the overall visibility of Koshi Province’s tourist destinations on national and international platforms.
As Nepal continues to position itself as a hub for sustainable and experiential tourism, initiatives like these are expected to play a vital role in promoting the nation’s culture, biodiversity, and traditions through the universal language of images.
