Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah has been recognized with the Asian Professional Achievement Award 2026 in the Hospitality Leadership category for his contribution to Nepal’s hospitality and tourism sector. Shah was presented with the award at a special program in Kathmandu, recognizing his years of leadership and involvement in Nepal’s hotel industry. His career has moved across government service, private enterprise and tourism-sector leadership, giving him experience in both policymaking and the practical challenges of running a hospitality business.
A Career Built Across Public Service and Hospitality
Before entering the hotel business, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah spent 16 years at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. He moved into the private sector in 1992, taking a significant career decision at a time when Nepal’s hotel industry was still developing. Shah holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics and has undertaken diploma-level studies in Tourism and Hotel Management from institutions in Europe and Australia.
His education in economics, combined with specialized hospitality training, has helped him develop experience in hotel operations, management, human resources, service quality and tourism-market trends. His active involvement in the hotel sector began in 1993. One of the key milestones of his career has been his association with The Airport Hotel Kathmandu, where he has served as operator and Managing Director. Situated close to Tribhuvan International Airport, the hotel caters to international travelers, business visitors and other tourism-related guests.
Leading HAN and Advocating Tourism Growth
Shah has also built a strong profile through his long involvement with the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN). Before reaching the association’s top position, he served as General Secretary and Senior Vice President. In 2023, following HAN’s 48th Annual General Meeting, he was unanimously elected as the organization’s 14th President. Since then, his focus has extended beyond the interests of individual hotels to wider issues influencing Nepal’s tourism economy. Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah has consistently called for improvements in tourism infrastructure, international air connectivity, airport capacity and policy stability, while emphasizing closer cooperation between the government and private sector.
Shah has particularly stressed the need to maximize the potential of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports and strengthen Nepal’s international air links. He has also promoted Nepali heritage cuisine in international markets and supported the expansion of wellness tourism. Nepal has declared 2027 as the Wellness Tourism Year, creating further attention around this emerging segment. He has also encouraged Nepal to broaden its tourism portfolio through products such as MICE tourism, destination weddings, sports tourism, wellness and medical tourism, and food tourism. Such sectors, he believes, can help Nepal reach new visitor markets and create additional opportunities for hotels and tourism businesses.
Investing in Skills and the Next Generation
Shah has placed considerable emphasis on the development of skilled human resources, recognizing that the quality of hospitality ultimately depends on the people delivering tourism services. He has supported greater opportunities for young Nepalis to receive practical training and build careers in the domestic hospitality industry. Initiatives involving vocational education, apprenticeship programs and professional skills development have been promoted to connect young people with employment opportunities in hotels and tourism businesses.
His engagement has also extended to tourism education and professional development, including involvement with the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) and other institutions working in tourism and vocational training. For Shah, expanding hotel infrastructure alone cannot guarantee sustainable growth. A competitive tourism industry also requires trained workers, quality services, stronger connectivity, effective promotion and an environment that encourages continued investment.
Recognition of a Longstanding Tourism Career
Shah’s professional journey from 16 years in government service to decades in hospitality and eventually the presidency of HAN reflects a career shaped by professional experience, entrepreneurship and industry involvement. He has previously received national honors including the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Trishakti Patta and Nepal Bikas Ratna. The Asian Professional Achievement Award 2026 adds another distinction to his career and recognizes his role in Nepal’s hospitality sector. As Nepal continues to seek greater investment, new tourism products and stronger international markets, Shah’s experience in both the private sector and tourism advocacy places him among the industry leaders working to strengthen the country’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem.
