A four-day training program on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tourism promotion for trekking agencies in Gandaki Province has commenced in Pokhara. The training, organized by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki in collaboration with the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), a joint initiative of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to equip trekking operators with skills to enhance tourism promotion using digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence.
Training Focus: Artificial Intelligence Applications in Tourism
The program focuses on multiple aspects of Artificial Intelligence utilization for travel promotion. Participants are being trained on audience engagement strategies, content creation, language and writing techniques, poster and social media content development, as well as cost reduction and workload management using Artificial Intelligence tools. TAAN Gandaki President Krishna Prasad Acharya highlighted that the training is designed to make trekking operators in Pokhara proficient in using Artificial Intelligence for effective travel marketing. “We hope this training will enable Pokhara’s trekking sector to establish a strong digital presence in the global market,” he said.
Inaugural Remarks Emphasize Importance of Technology
The training was inaugurated by Gandaki Province Minister for Industry and Tourism, Mitralal Basyal, who underlined the indispensability of technology in all sectors. “Without technology and Artificial Intelligence, development is no longer possible,” he said. Speaking at the program, Pokhara-6 local representative Pabitra Thapa highlighted the need to be cautious about the misuse of Artificial Intelligence and adhere to legal regulations while promoting travel digitally.
Former TAAN Gandaki President Dambar Bahadur KC noted that technology and AI have become essential for sustainable tourism promotion. He emphasized that travel operations without the adoption of modern technology are no longer viable.
UNDP Support for Sustainable Tourism
Sudip Aryal, Head of Field Office for the UNDP Sustainable Tourism Project in Gandaki-Lumbini, expressed support for the training and stressed the importance of utilizing Artificial Intelligence for sustainable travel development. He reaffirmed that UNDP will continue collaboration for similar training programs in the future to strengthen tourism capacities in the region.
Program Management and Participation
The inauguration session also included a welcome speech by TAAN Gandaki First Vice President Tirtharaj Subedi, while the program was coordinated by TAAN Gandaki Joint Secretary Bhupendra Lama. The four-day training brings together trekking agency operators from across Gandaki Province, equipping them with skills in digital marketing, Artificial Intelligence-driven promotion, and online tourism engagement strategies.
The training is expected to enhance operators’ ability to leverage new technology, make data-driven decisions, and effectively promote travel using digital platforms, thereby increasing the global visibility and competitiveness of Gandaki’s trekking and travel sector.
TAAN Gandaki officials expressed optimism that the training will significantly contribute to the digital transformation of the tourism industry in Pokhara. Participants are expected to gain practical skills that can be immediately applied to promote their businesses and attract more tourists. The organizers also committed to continuing technology-focused training programs in the future, strengthening collaboration between the private sector and key stakeholders to sustain growth and resilience in travel.
