Deepak Raj Joshi, who served as the CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) during the peak of foreign tourist arrivals in 2019, has been reappointed for a second term. His return comes at a crucial time when international tourism is gradually recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted global travel.
In 2019, Nepal welcomed nearly 1.2 million foreign tourists under Joshi’s leadership, with his strategic international marketing efforts and coordination playing a pivotal role in increasing tourist numbers. However, after the end of his tenure, the world was hit by the pandemic, leading to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals. As tourism begins to rebound, Joshi has now resumed his position, with a renewed focus on reviving the sector.
Speaking at his official reappointment ceremony at the NTB office in Pradarshani Marg, Joshi emphasized his primary goal of significantly increasing foreign tourist numbers. “My priority is to boost foreign tourist arrivals through extensive international promotion and identifying key markets and regions for effective tourism promotion”.
Joshi also outlined his plan to work towards achieving the government’s target of bringing 1.6 million foreign tourists to Nepal this fiscal year. The government has set this goal as part of its larger vision to attract 3.5 million tourists over the next decade, with 2023-2031 declared as the “Visit Decade.”
During his first term, Joshi was instrumental in identifying key destinations and promoting them to attract quality tourists. In his second term, he aims to continue this approach while also enhancing research and strategic planning for market viability and future tourism development.
According to the Nepal Tourism Statistics 2023 report published by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, 1.19 million tourists visited Nepal in 2019. The number slightly dipped to 1.17 million in 2018 and was 940,218 in 2017. The report also highlighted that 1.01 million foreign tourists visited Nepal in 2023, with 720,334 visiting in the first eight months of 2024.
Joshi shared that he has developed a clear four-year strategic plan, detailing annual goals and targets. “I have outlined a four-year strategic plan with clear milestones, which will soon be made public,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to revitalizing the tourism sector.
Joshi’s top priority is expanding partnerships with the private sector to effectively market Nepal in international markets. He acknowledged that one of the key challenges is the shortage of skilled manpower in the hospitality sector and plans to collaborate with institutions like NATHM to enhance workforce skills. He also emphasized the need for internal management improvements, including the enhancement of employee competencies and the approval of necessary working procedures.
Nepal Tourism Board’s Executive Committee, in its 379th meeting on September 5, appointed Joshi as CEO for the next four years under the provisions of the Nepal Tourism Board Act, 2053. Joshi received his appointment letter from Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Chairman of NTB, on September 6.
Joshi has been a key figure in Nepal’s tourism sector for over two decades. His leadership during challenging times, such as the Gorkha Earthquake and the economic blockade, helped sustain and grow Nepal’s tourism industry. He has held notable positions, including Chair of the Destination Committee at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Founding Executive Member of the World Tourism Network.
Joshi has also received numerous prestigious awards, including the “Champion in Challenge,” “Tourism Hero,” and “PATA Personality of the Year,” recognizing his contributions to tourism development. He previously served as Director General at the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI).
Source: RSS