A two-day Human Capital Development (HCD) Workshop titled “AI for Tourism & Hospitality Excellence” commenced in Kathmandu on Sunday, bringing together 60 professionals from Nepal’s travel and travel sector. The workshop is jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, with the objective of strengthening digital literacy and AI adoption in the country’s tourism industry.
Focus on Digital Skills to Strengthen Competitiveness
The inaugural session began with a welcome address from Khem Lakai, Chairperson of PATA Nepal Chapter, who emphasized the pressing need to enhance AI-related competencies within Nepal’s travel workforce. He highlighted that strengthening digital skills is crucial for maintaining global competitiveness in an era driven by technological transformation.
CEO of NTB Urges Active Participation
Delivering his inaugural remarks, Dipak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, encouraged participants to immerse themselves fully in the learning process. He urged them to interact actively with the resource persons, share experiences, and apply the workshop’s insights to modernize their professional practices.
Session Moderated by PATA Nepal CEO
The opening session was moderated by Suresh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, who facilitated the discussions and set the momentum for an engaging and productive two-day program. His moderation helped establish an interactive environment designed to foster professional learning and collaboration.
AI Applications in Tourism at the Core
The workshop is being led by Prof. Faye Hao, Assistant Professor at the School of Hotel & Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Over the two days, she will cover key components including foundational AI concepts, emerging AI models, ethical considerations, and the role of AI in hospitality operations such as hotels, resorts, airlines, destination management companies, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) services.
Strengthening Nepal’s Tourism Future
With strong representation from the Nepali travel trade community, the workshop aims to uplift professional capabilities, inspire innovation, and support Nepal’s transition toward a smarter and more resilient tourism ecosystem. Organizers believe that embracing AI-driven solutions will be vital to future-proofing Nepal’s travel industry and elevating service standards in the years ahead.
