The Government of Nepal has appointed five new private sector representatives to the Executive Committee of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), filling long-vacant positions through an open and competitive selection process. The appointments were made through a ministerial decision of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation following recommendations from the Board Member Selection Committee formed under the provisions of the Tourism Act and prevailing legal framework.
The newly appointed board members are Santosh Pokhrel, Srijana KC, Pemba Sherpa (Eight K Expeditions), Khum Bahadur Subedi, and Dr. Shobhita Shrestha Dhakal. The appointments complete the five vacant private sector positions on the NTB Executive Committee, a key policy-making body responsible for tourism promotion, destination marketing, strategic planning, and strengthening Nepal’s tourism sector.
According to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the newly appointed members represent diverse segments of Nepal’s tourism industry. Dr. Shobhita Shrestha Dhakal will represent the health and wellness tourism sector, Pemba Sherpa represents the adventure and mountaineering industry through Eight K Expeditions, Khum Bahadur Subedi is a former President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Santosh Pokhrel represents the hotel industry from Pokhara and the past president of NATTA Gandaki, while Srijana KC brings expertise in information technology and wellness tourism.
More than 1,100 applicants competed for five positions
According to the Ministry, the selection process attracted approximately 1,100 applications from tourism professionals and entrepreneurs across the country, reflecting the growing interest of the private sector in contributing to national tourism development. The Selection Committee evaluated applicants based on multiple criteria, including professional qualifications, experience in the tourism industry, contribution to tourism development, leadership capabilities, and overall managerial competence.
Following a comprehensive assessment, the committee shortlisted and recommended the final five candidates, who have now been officially appointed as board members. The ministry stated that the competitive process was introduced to ensure transparency, merit-based selection, and effective representation of the private sector in Nepal’s apex tourism promotion body.
Strengthening public-private partnership in tourism by Government of Nepal
The Ministry said the appointments aim to strengthen collaboration between the government and private sector in tourism governance. The newly appointed members are expected to contribute to policy formulation, destination promotion, tourism investment, and implementation of strategic initiatives that support the sustainable growth of Nepal’s tourism industry.
The government believes that stronger private sector participation in the Board will enhance tourism marketing, improve coordination with industry stakeholders, attract greater investment, and support innovation in tourism development. The appointments also come at a time when Nepal is intensifying efforts to increase international visitor arrivals, diversify tourism products, and improve the country’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
Experienced professionals from diverse tourism backgrounds
The newly appointed board members by Government of Nepal will bring experience from various segments of Nepal’s tourism industry, including adventure tourism, trekking, hospitality, tourism management, entrepreneurship, and destination promotion.
Among them, Pemba Sherpa, Director of Eight K Expeditions, has nearly a decade of experience in Nepal’s mountaineering and trekking industry. Originally from the Makalu region, he has managed numerous trekking and expedition operations and is recognized for his expertise in expedition planning, operational management, and international client services. He has also served as General Manager of a leading trekking company and has advocated for responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Another prominent appointee is Khum Bahadur Subedi, former President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). During his tenure from 2019 to 2021, Subedi worked to promote sustainable tourism, improve trekkers’ safety, and strengthen the livelihoods of mountain communities dependent on tourism. His decades-long contribution to Nepal’s adventure tourism sector has earned him recognition both nationally and internationally.
Mr. Santosh Pokhrel is the Past President of NATTA Gandaki Province and a well-respected leader in Nepal’s hospitality and tourism industry, with a distinguished presence in Pokhara, the country’s tourism capital.
Board expected to play a key role in tourism policy
The Nepal Tourism Board’s Executive Committee consists of representatives from both the government and the private sector. The committee is responsible for making strategic decisions on tourism policies, international marketing campaigns, destination branding, product development, and coordination with tourism stakeholders.
The newly appointed private sector representatives are expected to actively participate in implementing tourism policies, strengthening industry coordination, promoting investment, and supporting initiatives that enhance Nepal’s position as a leading global tourism destination. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the appointments, expressing confidence that the new board members’ professional expertise and practical experience will contribute to the sustainable development and long-term competitiveness of Nepal’s tourism sector.
