The race for the presidency of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) has gained momentum as three prominent tourism professionals, Yubika Bhandari, Jiswan Tuladhar, and Bharat Jung Pandey, have officially announced their candidacies ahead of the association’s 25th Executive Committee Election.
The election will be held during NATTA’s 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 14, 2026 (Shrawan 29, 2083 BS) in Kathmandu. The decision to hold the AGM and election was made during the association’s 24th Executive Committee meeting on July 8, 2026.
NATTA Set to Elect New Leadership
Established on March 10, 1966 (2022/11/27 BS), NATTA is Nepal’s leading umbrella organization representing tour and travel entrepreneurs. For nearly six decades, the association has worked to strengthen Nepal’s tourism industry through policy advocacy, industry representation, international promotion, and collaboration with government and private-sector stakeholders. The upcoming election is considered significant as the association prepares to chart its course amid Nepal’s growing tourism recovery and evolving global travel landscape.
Yubika Bhandari Highlights Sustainable Tourism and Institutional Development
Current NATTA Secretary General (2024–2026), Yubika Bhandari, has entered the race with nearly two decades of experience in tourism, heritage conservation, and policy advocacy. Managing Director of Shashi’s Holidays International Travel & Tours, Bhandari has played a key role in leading tourism capacity-building programmes in collaboration with organizations such as the Nepal Tourism Board, UNDP, ILO, and other development partners.
Her campaign focuses on strengthening NATTA’s institutional capacity, promoting heritage and wellness tourism, expanding international partnerships, encouraging digital transformation, and building a resilient tourism industry through stronger public-private collaboration.
Jiswan Tuladhar Prioritizes Member-Centric Leadership
Tourism entrepreneur Jiswan Tuladhar, who has more than 25 years of experience in Nepal’s tourism industry, has also announced her candidacy for the presidency. Tuladhar has pledged to make NATTA a more inclusive and member-focused organization by strengthening its advocacy role and ensuring that every member feels represented and supported.
Her priorities include promoting quality tourism, expanding Nepal’s presence in international markets through travel fairs and roadshows, strengthening flagship events such as the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM), supporting domestic tourism, and encouraging greater participation of young tourism entrepreneurs alongside experienced industry professionals.
Bharat Jung Pandey Promises Modern and Effective NATTA
Tourism entrepreneur Bharat Jung Pandey, Director of Everest Miracle Travels & Tours, has also joined the presidential race with a commitment to modernizing the association. Having served as a Member of NATTA’s Executive Committee (2020–2022), Pandey has outlined an agenda focused on institutional strengthening, tourism policy reforms, improved coordination with government agencies, digital transformation, expansion of international partnerships, leadership development for young entrepreneurs, and enhanced services for NATTA members. He has emphasized the need for a stronger and more effective organization capable of responding to the evolving challenges and opportunities facing Nepal’s tourism industry.
Having served as a Member of NATTA’s Executive Committee (2020–2022), Pandey has outlined an agenda focused on institutional strengthening, tourism policy reforms, improved coordination with government agencies, digital transformation, expansion of international partnerships, leadership development for young entrepreneurs, and enhanced services for NATTA members.
Leadership Contest Reflects Industry’s Growing Aspirations
The candidacies of Bhandari, Tuladhar, and Pandey have brought diverse experience and perspectives into the contest, with each candidate presenting a vision centered on strengthening NATTA and supporting Nepal’s tourism sector. While their priorities differ in emphasis, all three have highlighted the importance of institutional reform, stronger industry representation, sustainable tourism development, and closer collaboration between the private sector and government. As Nepal’s tourism industry continues its recovery and expansion, the outcome of the NATTA election is expected to influence the association’s direction and its role in advocating for tourism entrepreneurs over the next two years.
