The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal (TBAN) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to promote Nepal’s tourism sector and address common challenges affecting tourism businesses. The commitment was expressed at a programme organized by TBAN in Kathmandu to congratulate NATTA’s newly elected executive committee.
NATTA Commits to Joint Action
NATTA President Bharat Jung Pandey said the two organizations would work together on tourism development and issues affecting their respective sectors. Pandey described TBAN as an integral part of the broader tourism industry and emphasized that travel agencies and tourist transportation operators should move forward together on common tourism agendas. He said NATTA would coordinate with TBAN to identify practical solutions to problems affecting tourism businesses and contribute to the overall development of the sector.
Tourist Bus Park Remains a Major Concern
The lack of a dedicated tourist bus park in Kathmandu emerged as one of the key issues discussed at the programme. TBAN President Bhishma Prasad Neupane said tourist bus operators have been facing significant difficulties due to the absence of an appropriate parking facility. He said TBAN would work with NATTA to push for a solution to the long-standing problem. At present, tourist buses are using Sorhakhutte Road as a temporary parking area, creating operational challenges for the sector. The construction and proper management of a tourist bus park has previously been identified as a major priority by TBAN.
NATTA Backs the Parking Initiative
NATTA General Secretary Raj Kumar Devkota said the tourist bus parking issue should not be considered a problem of TBAN alone, as it directly affects the wider tourism industry. He expressed NATTA’s commitment to cooperating with TBAN to seek a sustainable solution, noting that efficient tourist transportation is essential to providing visitors with smooth and reliable travel services.
Tourist Buses Connect Major Destinations
According to TBAN Secretary General Prakash Chandra Adhikari, the association currently facilitates services involving around 100 tourist buses daily. The buses serve major tourism destinations including Pokhara, Sauraha in Chitwan, Lumbini and Janakpur, providing an important transportation link for both domestic and international visitors. TBAN’s official information also lists routes connecting Kathmandu with destinations such as Pokhara, Lumbini and Sauraha.
Strengthening Tourism Connectivity
The cooperation between NATTA and TBAN comes at a time when reliable transportation remains an important part of Nepal’s tourism infrastructure. Tourist buses provide road connectivity between Kathmandu and several of the country’s major destinations, while organizations such as NATTA and TBAN represent different but closely connected segments of the tourism industry. By working together, the two associations aim to address transportation-related challenges, protect the interests of tourism entrepreneurs, and contribute to a more coordinated tourism sector. The two organizations’ cooperation is expected to focus particularly on tourist transportation infrastructure, industry-related challenges, and the promotion of Nepal as a tourism destination.
