The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, has unveiled an ambitious four-year plan aimed at revitalizing Nepal’s tourism sector. Speaking at a recent event, CEO Joshi outlined his strategic vision for the upcoming years, each with specific themes to drive the industry forward.
Joshi has designated the year 2025 as the “Year of Survival,” 2026 as the “Year of Revival,” 2027 as the “Year of Thrival,” and 2028 as the “Year of Transformation.” He emphasized that these themes will guide the Board’s efforts to enhance Nepal’s tourism sector, including a targeted promotional campaign focusing on 50 major global tourist destinations.
“I have devised a clear plan for each year to address the various stages of our tourism revival and growth. This structured approach will help us systematically advance our tourism objectives,” Joshi explained.
Joshi also addressed his commitment to transparency and integrity, stating that he has not offered any undue favors since his appointment. He emphasized his dedication to working with neighboring countries such as China, India, and Bangladesh to capitalize on their outbound tourism potential.
Despite Nepal’s vast tourism potential, Joshi acknowledged existing challenges including limited budgets, transportation issues, and high flight costs. He stressed the need for strategic promotion to position Nepal as an attractive year-round tourist destination.
During the event, Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Badriprasad Pande highlighted the need for policy interventions to reform Nepal Airlines. Minister Pande assured that he would address the airline’s issues through necessary policy changes.
Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association Nepal, criticized the government’s target of attracting only 50% of the country’s 3.5 million tourist capacity, arguing that this limited goal could undermine significant investments in the sector.
Manoj Karki, President of the Airlines Operators Association, raised concerns about the high cost of tourist destinations and the need for more affordable options. He also pointed out that while there are issues with the cost of foreign flights, he refrained from commenting on this matter directly.
Ram Prasad Sapkota, Vice President of the Nepal Tourism Board, suggested that the new CEO focus on both national and international promotion, noting the importance of amending the Tourism Act to support these efforts.
Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa, General Secretary of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, highlighted the need for reliable air services to boost tourist numbers. He stressed that improving safety in the aviation sector is crucial for attracting more visitors.
Kumar Mani Thapliya, President of the Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents, urged the Minister to address the high costs associated with tourism through detailed studies. Mahendra Raj Poudel, President of the Ski and Climbing Leaders Association, recommended adopting a “no ifs, no buts” policy during the Hanuman period and commended CEO Joshi for his proactive engagement with tourism professionals.
Overall, the new CEO’s plan and the feedback from industry leaders reflect a shared commitment to overcoming current challenges and leveraging Nepal’s tourism potential.
