Tourism Entrepreneur Women Association Nepal (TEWAN) has successfully concluded a three-day capacity-building and awareness program focused on cybercrime prevention, online fraud awareness, and digital safety for women tourism entrepreneurs. The program, held from Magh 12 to 14, 2082, at Soaltee Westend, Lakeside, Pokhara, aimed to strengthen the knowledge, confidence, and digital resilience of women actively engaged in the tourism sector.
The program was promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Gandaki Province Office, and organized by TEWAN as part of its broader mission to empower women entrepreneurs and ensure their safe and meaningful participation in sustainable tourism development. Women entrepreneurs from hotels, travel and tour companies, homestays, trekking agencies, transport services, and other tourism-related businesses across Gandaki Province participated in the event.
Focus on Rising Cyber Threats in the Tourism Sector By TEWAN
With the increasing use of digital platforms for bookings, payments, marketing, and customer communication, women tourism entrepreneurs are becoming more exposed to cyber risks. Addressing this concern, the program placed strong emphasis on cybercrime, online fraud, data security, and safe digital practices.
Experts and trainers provided practical sessions on identifying online scams, phishing emails, fake booking requests, digital payment fraud, social media hacking, and identity theft. Participants were also educated on common fraud patterns targeting tourism businesses, including fake advance payments, fraudulent international bookings, and misuse of business social media pages.
The sessions highlighted real-life case studies to help participants understand how cyber criminals operate and how small businesses can unknowingly become victims. Trainers also explained the legal aspects of cybercrime in Nepal and the steps entrepreneurs should take if they encounter suspicious online activities.
Practical Learning and Skill Development
Participants described the training as highly practical and relevant to their daily business operations. The program equipped trainees with skills such as securing online payment gateways, protecting customer data, creating strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and safely handling online inquiries.
In addition to cyber security awareness, the program also covered digital marketing ethics, responsible use of social media, customer communication safety, and maintaining trust in online tourism services. Participants learned how to verify online clients, safely confirm bookings, and document transactions to avoid future disputes or losses.
The interactive nature of the sessions encouraged open discussion, allowing participants to share their own experiences with online fraud and learn from one another. Many attendees stated that the training boosted their confidence to operate their businesses digitally without fear.
Role of Coordination and Leadership
The entire program was completed under the coordination of Meena Baral, who played a key role in planning, managing, and ensuring the smooth execution of the event. Her coordination helped bring together trainers, participants, and stakeholders, ensuring that the program objectives were met effectively. Speaking briefly at the closing session, coordinator Meena Baral said;
“As women entrepreneurs increasingly rely on digital platforms, understanding cyber safety is no longer optional. This program was designed to make women aware, alert, and confident in protecting their businesses online.”
The closing session was addressed by chief guest Taranath Pahari, who emphasized that learning is a continuous process and stressed the need to regularly conduct such training on diverse subjects in the future. Business Promotion and Branding trainer Samir Baral urged participants to practically apply the skills and knowledge gained from the training in their respective enterprises. Likewise, SP Nabin Karki delivered an awareness session on cybercrime and online fraud, highlighting the importance of digital safety for entrepreneurs.
Strengthening Women’s Role in Sustainable Tourism
TEWAN officials emphasized that empowering women with digital and cyber knowledge is essential for sustainable tourism development. Safe online practices not only protect individual businesses but also strengthen the overall credibility of Nepal’s tourism industry.
Participants expressed gratitude for the timely initiative and urged TEWAN to continue organizing similar awareness programs in other provinces. The successful completion of the program marked another milestone in TEWAN’s efforts to support women-led tourism enterprises through knowledge, safety, and skill enhancement. The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive, secure, and sustainable tourism by addressing emerging challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the digital age.
The program was held under the chairpersonship of TEWAN President Shobha Neupane Pandey. Former President Kamala Giri, past President Renu Thapa Magar, Founding President Lucky Karki, and other speakers shared their views, underscoring that investments made in such capacity-building programs should directly contribute to the promotion and growth of the tourism business. The speakers also echoed the message that empowering women as business owners and leaders strengthens local economies, celebrates culture, and promotes responsible tourism practices.
Concluding the program, President Shobha Neupane Pandey expressed satisfaction that the training achieved its intended objectives. She delivered the vote of thanks, extending sincere appreciation to the Nepal Tourism Board, trainers, chief guest, special guests, and all participants for their valuable support and active participation, which ensured the program’s successful completion.
