Sangeeta Poudel has been elected president of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Gandaki Province Committee, defeating Kamala Giri by a decisive margin at the association’s 14th provincial convention.
The election was held during the committee’s 31st General Assembly and 14th Convention in Pokhara on Wednesday, where members elected a new executive committee to lead the organization for the upcoming term. Poudel secured 93 votes, while her rival Giri received 49 votes, giving Poudel a winning margin of 44 votes.
Poudel Secures Second Consecutive Electoral Victory Over Giri
The contest between Poudel and Giri was a repeat of their previous electoral rivalry within NATTA Gandaki. During the association’s 13th convention, the two had competed for the position of first vice-president, with Poudel emerging victorious at that time as well. Poudel brings extensive experience within NATTA Gandaki, having been involved in the organization since 2063 B.S. Over the years, she has served in several capacities, including three terms as an executive member, two terms as secretary, one term as an adviser, one term as general secretary, and one term as first vice-president.
Her long-standing involvement in the association and support from its members ultimately helped her secure the presidency. Beyond NATTA, Poudel has also held various responsibilities in organizations including Pokhara Women Jaycees and Nepal Jaycees. She is involved in the tourism and hospitality sector through businesses including Nepal Tika Travels and Tika Resort and has remained active in Pokhara’s hotel and hospitality industry for many years.
New NATTA Gandaki Leadership Team Elected
Other key positions in the new executive committee were also decided through elections.
Rajesh Pahari was elected first vice-president after defeating Chet Bahadur Karki. Pahari received 80 votes, while Karki secured 66 votes. Karki had previously served as the association’s general secretary. Bishworaj Acharya was elected second vice-president unopposed. For the post of general secretary, Taraprasad Gautam defeated Nawaraj Bhandari, securing 85 votes against Bhandari’s 59.
Similarly, Subash Pahari won the secretary position with 84 votes, defeating Pratik Lamichhane, who received 62 votes. In the treasurer election, Chhabiraman Poudel narrowly defeated Sandip Shrestha by just two votes. Poudel received 74 votes, compared with Shrestha’s 72. Padamraj Acharya was elected joint treasurer with 87 votes, defeating Tul Bahadur Gurung, who received 55 votes.
Five executive committee members were elected unopposed: Ashok Kumar Chhetri, Milan Dhakal, Bikash Niraula, Ramchandra Ghimire and Somnath Adhikari, according to newly elected General Secretary Tara Prasad Gautam.
New President Focuses on Pokhara’s International Tourism Promotion
Following her election, Poudel said her leadership would prioritize strengthening Pokhara’s position as Nepal’s tourism capital and expanding its visibility in international tourism markets. One of her key priorities will be improving the management of the tourist bus park in Pokhara, with NATTA Gandaki expected to take an active role in initiatives aimed at making the facility more effective and visitor-friendly.
Poudel also said she would work toward improving international air connectivity from Pokhara International Airport, including efforts to make international flights more regular and explore connectivity between Pokhara and other major cities. To promote Pokhara on the international stage, the new NATTA Gandaki leadership also plans to organize tourism-focused programs such as tourism fairs, exhibitions and promotional events. With her extensive experience in NATTA and the wider tourism and hospitality sector, Poudel’s election comes at a time when Pokhara is seeking stronger international connectivity, better tourism infrastructure and increased visibility as a major destination in Nepal.
