PATA Nepal Chapter has been honored with the prestigious PATA Award of Excellence, recognizing its outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of Nepal’s travel and tourism industry. The award was presented by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Headquarters during the PATA Chapter and Student Chapter Awards Ceremony held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Commons Café, Old Court House, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
The ceremony was organized a day ahead of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Travel Mart 2026, which is being held in Kuching, Sarawak. The recognition highlights the chapter’s sustained efforts in tourism advocacy, industry engagement, collaboration and the promotion of sustainable tourism development in Nepal.
Award Recognizes Excellence in Tourism Development
The PATA Award of Excellence is presented annually to Pacific Asia Travel Association Chapters and Student Chapters whose activities during the preceding year demonstrate exceptional commitment to the development of the travel and tourism industry across the Pacific Asia region.
The award recognizes chapters whose initiatives and activities are aligned with the aims and objectives of PATA and contribute meaningfully to tourism development, industry collaboration and responsible growth. PATA Nepal Chapter’s latest recognition reflects its continued involvement in tourism advocacy and engagement, as well as its efforts to bring together stakeholders from Nepal’s public and private tourism sectors.
Bibhuti Chand Thakur Receives Award
Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Immediate Past Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association Nepal Chapter, received the award on behalf of the association during the ceremony. Expressing gratitude to Pacific Asia Travel Association Headquarters for the recognition, Thakur acknowledged the contribution of the chapter’s Executive Committee and Secretariat team to its achievements and milestones.
He particularly highlighted the dedicated efforts of the team led by the chapter’s CEO, noting that the organization’s progress and accomplishments would not have been possible without their continued commitment and proactive involvement.
Recognition Brings Pride to Nepal’s Tourism Sector
Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, described the award as a proud moment for both Pacific Asia Travel Association Nepal Chapter and Nepal. Budal said the chapter has consistently demonstrated excellence in its advocacy and engagement activities over the years, helping establish PATA Nepal Chapter as one of the most active Pacific Asia Travel Association Chapters globally. He said the recognition from PATA Headquarters serves not only as an acknowledgment of the chapter’s past efforts but also as a motivation to further strengthen collaboration for the sustainable and responsible development of tourism.
According to Budal, the award will encourage PATA Nepal Chapter to continue working with tourism stakeholders and partners to promote responsible tourism development in Nepal and the wider region.
PATA Nepal Chapter’s Role in Nepal’s Tourism Industry
Established in 1975, PATA Nepal Chapter is one of the independent chapters of the Pacific Asia Travel Association established in accordance with the spirit and objectives of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Headquarters. Over the years, the chapter has developed into a major platform representing Nepal’s tourism industry, bringing together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The chapter has been involved in advocacy, industry engagement, networking, knowledge sharing and initiatives aimed at supporting the sustainable development of Nepal’s travel and tourism sector. Its broad stakeholder base enables it to serve as a platform for collaboration among tourism businesses, government bodies and other organizations working toward the advancement of Nepal’s tourism industry.
Continued Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The latest PATA Award of Excellence further underscores Pacific Asia Travel Association Nepal Chapter’s role in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in Nepal. The chapter has emphasized continued collaboration among tourism stakeholders as a key component of strengthening Nepal’s tourism industry and expanding its contribution to the national economy. The recognition in Kuching comes at an important international tourism gathering, with PATA Travel Mart 2026 bringing tourism organizations, buyers, sellers and industry representatives together in Sarawak.
