In a significant push for the advancement of Nepal’s tourism sector, a large gathering organized by Sagar Pandey’s group, a candidate for the presidency of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), emphasized the need for a robust and effective TAAN. The ‘Comprehensive Business Meet’ held today highlighted the critical role of culture, nature, and adventure tourism in the country’s development.
Former Tourism Minister Bal Bahadur KC expressed concern over the recent political involvement in TAAN, stressing the need for dedicated and honest leadership within the association. He underscored the importance of having a leadership team that genuinely represents the interests of the business community.
Siddhartha Kirati, former Tourism Minister and current Member of Parliament, highlighted the pivotal role of businesses in propelling Nepal’s tourism sector, which is the backbone of the country’s economic development.
Rajendra Bajgai, another Member of Parliament, argued for prioritizing professional leadership over political figures to address the issues facing the tourism sector effectively.
Former Tourism Minister Jiban Ram Shrestha pointed out the necessity of expanding Nepal Airlines’ capacity to support tourism development, noting that the lack of adequate transportation options for tourists hampers progress.
Rishi Ram Bhandari, a member of the Tourism Board of Nepal’s executive committee, urged all stakeholders to focus on preserving Nepal’s renowned trekking routes, which are increasingly under threat.
Hari Dharel, Nepal’s Honorary Consul to Denmark, called for removing TAAN from political influences to ensure its effectiveness. Dhruv Adhikari, President of the Thamel Tourism Development Council, also advocated for professional rather than political leadership to advance the organization.
Senior tourism entrepreneur Ang Chhiring Sherpa emphasized that without expanding Nepal Airlines’ capacity, sustainable tourism remains a distant goal.
Sagar Pandey, a presidential candidate for TAAN, outlined his vision to build a strong and capable TAAN, establish a permanent fund, and advocate for VAT exemptions for tourism businesses. His plans include streamlining the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) management, facilitating permits for controlled trekking routes, and addressing tax-related issues.
Pandey also pledged to push for customs exemptions for tourist vehicles, prepare DPRs (Detailed Project Reports) for alternative trekking routes, and prioritize the promotion of these routes. Additionally, he aims to address climate change, update the Tourism Act, develop experiential tourism, and collaborate with international training programs and donor agencies for mountain tourism.
Pandey’s vision includes working with other tourism-related organizations, collaborating with government bodies for tourism development, establishing legal and financial advisory centers, ensuring representation of tourism organizations on the Tourism Board, and amending TAAN’s charter to keep it relevant and effective.
Currently, over 2,400 trekking companies are registered and operational across Nepal, with 1,397 eligible voters participating in the TAAN elections to select leadership for the 2024-2026 term.
