Today, the Society of Travel and Tour Operators (SOTTO)-Nepal reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive tourism sector while protecting the rights and interests of tourism entrepreneurs. Established in 2008, SOTTO-Nepal has been working to address distortions and unhealthy competition in the tourism business and to create a healthy, organized and business-friendly environment for tourism entrepreneurs.
Advocacy for Tourism Entrepreneurs
Since its establishment, SOTTO-Nepal has been coordinating and communicating with government agencies and other concerned bodies to raise issues related to the professional rights and interests of tourism entrepreneurs. The organization has also been advocating for policies aimed at improving the business environment, resolving challenges faced by tourism enterprises, and strengthening the overall tourism industry. SOTTO-Nepal says it will continue providing policy recommendations and cooperation to relevant authorities on issues affecting tourism businesses.
Promoting Nepal in International Markets
SOTTO-Nepal has been actively involved in promoting Nepal’s tourism potential in international markets. Over the years, the organization has conducted tourism promotion programmes in Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, Finland, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and various states of India. These international promotional campaigns have helped showcase Nepal’s tourism products and destinations, attract potential visitors and contribute to increasing tourism-related economic activity.
Focus on Domestic Tourism
Alongside international promotion, SOTTO-Nepal has placed significant emphasis on strengthening domestic tourism. The organization has promoted destinations including Rara, Khaptad, Resunga, Rishikesh Temple in Gulmi, Supadeurali in Arghakhanchi and Swargadwari in Pyuthan. It has also worked with local governments to develop and promote community-based tourism initiatives.
In collaboration with Gokarneshwor Municipality and Melamchi Municipality, SOTTO-Nepal has conducted hiking programmes to Dhap Dam. Similarly, in partnership with Budhanilkantha Municipality, it has supported homestay promotion and local tourism development in the Danda Gaun area. According to the organization, such programmes have contributed to increasing community participation, strengthening local tourism and generating economic opportunities for local communities.
Expanding New Destinations and Homestays
SOTTO-Nepal plans to strengthen cooperation with local, provincial and federal governments to identify and develop new tourism destinations. The organization will focus on promoting homestays and expanding religious, cultural and nature-based tourism in different parts of the country. As part of this effort, SOTTO-Nepal plans to bring travel and tour operators from different districts onto a common platform to improve coordination, share experiences and jointly promote tourism products. The organization believes stronger cooperation among tourism businesses can help create a more integrated national tourism network.
Call for Tourism-Friendly Policies
SOTTO-Nepal has also emphasized the need for policy reforms to create a more supportive environment for tourism businesses.
The organization will continue providing recommendations to relevant authorities on:
- Recognizing tourism as an industry at the policy level
- Strengthening labor and occupational safety standards
- Removing unnecessary taxes and regulations
- Making the taxation system more business-friendly
- Improving the overall investment and operating environment for tourism enterprises
SOTTO-Nepal believes a predictable and business-friendly regulatory system is essential for attracting investment and ensuring sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
Concern Over International Air Connectivity
The organization has expressed concern over Nepal’s limited international air connectivity and the high cost of international airfares. According to SOTTO-Nepal, the limited availability of international flights and increasing dependence on foreign airlines have contributed to expensive airfares, which can negatively affect Nepal’s tourism competitiveness.
The organization has therefore expressed its commitment to advocating for measures to strengthen Nepal Airlines Corporation, including additional aircraft acquisition, transformation into a company-based model, and expansion of international flight operations. SOTTO-Nepal says stronger international connectivity is essential for increasing tourist arrivals and making Nepal more accessible to international travelers.
Capacity Building for Tourism Entrepreneurs
SOTTO-Nepal has also been conducting training programmes, symposiums, seminars and interaction programmes to improve the professional capacity of tourism entrepreneurs. The organization has pledged to expand these activities in the coming years and make them more systematic and effective. The programmes are expected to help tourism entrepreneurs improve their professional knowledge, adapt to changing market conditions and enhance the quality of tourism services.
Social Responsibility and Humanitarian Support
Beyond business advocacy, SOTTO-Nepal has highlighted social responsibility as another important area of its work. The organization and its members have provided relief and humanitarian assistance during emergencies, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, and fires. SOTTO-Nepal has pledged to remain proactive during future national emergencies and humanitarian crises, emphasizing that the tourism sector also has a responsibility toward society and communities.
Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
SOTTO-Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, provincial and local governments, the private sector, media and other tourism stakeholders. The organization says its long-term objective is to help build a tourism sector that is inclusive, competitive, sustainable and economically beneficial to local communities and tourism entrepreneurs. SOTTO-Nepal has stated that it will continue combining policy advocacy, destination promotion, capacity building, private-sector coordination and social responsibility to contribute to the long-term development of Nepal’s tourism industry.
