Senior Director Hikmat Singh Ayer has been assigned the responsibility of officiating Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board following a decision by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on Monday. He will now serve as the office head, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the national tourism promotion body.
According to the ministry, Ayer has been entrusted with the responsibility to function as the office head of the Board on an interim basis. The decision was made to ensure continuity in leadership and uninterrupted functioning of the national tourism promotion body during a transitional period.
Leadership Vacancy After CEO Removal
The leadership position at the Nepal Tourism Board became vacant after then-CEO Deepak Raj Joshi was relieved of his duties following the introduction of a government ordinance. With the sudden vacancy, the Board required immediate interim leadership to manage daily operations and ongoing programmes.
To address this gap, the Ministry assigned Ayer based on seniority within the organization. The decision ensures that administrative responsibilities remain stable while a permanent leadership arrangement is considered.
Provision Under NTB Employee Service Regulations
Hikmat Singh Ayer has been appointed as Officiating CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board in accordance with Clause 11 (1B) of the Nepal Tourism Board Employee Service Regulations, 2064. The clause provides that when the Board is unable to carry out its regular daily operations under Article 11(1) and 11(1A), a functional management sub-committee may be formed to ensure continuity of approved programmes and budget execution.
The sub-committee includes acting department heads and other designated officers as necessary, and is chaired by the senior-most acting director or acting department head, with its roles and procedures governed by approved guidelines. Based on this provision, Ayer has been entrusted with the responsibility to ensure uninterrupted daily operations and institutional continuity during the transitional leadership period.
Responsibilities and Administrative Role
As Acting CEO, Ayer will oversee the Board’s daily administrative operations, policy implementation, coordination of programmes, and execution of tourism promotion activities. The ministry’s directive states that all regular functions of the Board must continue smoothly without disruption, particularly at a time when Nepal’s tourism sector is actively recovering and expanding.
A formal circular issued by the ministry highlights that Ayer will be responsible for maintaining institutional continuity, ensuring efficient management, and supporting ongoing national and international tourism promotion initiatives.
Experienced Professional Within the Institution
Ayer is a long-serving senior director within the Nepal Tourism Board and is regarded as an experienced administrator in the tourism sector. Over the years, he has been actively involved in multiple projects, strategic programmes, and promotional campaigns undertaken by the Board.
His prior experience in coordinating tourism-related initiatives and managing institutional responsibilities is expected to help maintain operational stability during this transitional phase. Officials within the Board describe him as a familiar and capable figure who understands both the administrative framework and promotional objectives of Nepal’s tourism sector.
Stakeholders Expect Continuity in Tourism Promotion
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the interim appointment, stating that it is important to maintain continuity in leadership, especially at a time when Nepal is focusing on strengthening its global tourism presence. Industry representatives believe that uninterrupted leadership will help ensure the smooth execution of promotional campaigns and international outreach efforts.
Nepal’s tourism sector has been steadily recovering in recent years, supported by increased international arrivals, renewed marketing initiatives, and government focus on infrastructure and destination development. In this context, the Nepal Tourism Board plays a crucial role in branding Nepal as a premier global destination.
Focus on Promotion and Institutional Stability
Under Ayer’s interim leadership, the Board is expected to prioritize tourism promotion activities, strengthen Nepal’s visibility in international markets, and enhance coordination among stakeholders in the tourism industry. Internal management efficiency and programme delivery are also likely to be key focus areas.
Officials have indicated that the interim arrangement will help maintain momentum in ongoing tourism campaigns while ensuring that institutional processes remain stable. The Ministry is expected to make further decisions regarding permanent leadership in due course.
For now, Ayer’s appointment marks a continuity-driven step aimed at safeguarding Nepal’s tourism promotion efforts during an important phase for the industry.
