Veteran tourism entrepreneur Jiswan Tuladhar has officially announced her candidacy for the post of President of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) for the 2026–2028 term. Her announcement comes as NATTA prepares to hold its 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 25th Executive Committee Election on August 14, 2026 (Shrawan 29, 2083 BS) in Kathmandu.
Tuladhar has entered the race with a vision of strengthening NATTA’s role as the collective voice of Nepal’s tour and travel industry while advocating for policies that support sustainable business growth, stronger international promotion, and greater member engagement.
NATTA Set to Elect New Leadership
Established on March 10, 1966 (2022/11/27 BS), NATTA is one of Nepal’s oldest tourism organizations, representing tour operators and travel agencies across the country. For nearly six decades, the association has worked closely with government agencies and private-sector stakeholders to promote Nepal as a leading travel destination and address the concerns of tourism entrepreneurs. The association has scheduled its 59th AGM and 25th Executive Committee election following a decision made during its Executive Committee meeting held on Ashadh 24, 2083 BS.
More Than Two Decades of Industry Experience
With over 25 years of experience in Nepal’s tourism sector, Tuladhar said her decision to contest the presidency is driven by a desire to give back to an industry that has shaped her professional journey. She described her career as one marked by continuous learning, professional growth, challenges, and achievements, stating that these experiences have strengthened her commitment to serving Nepal’s tourism industry and its entrepreneurs. According to Tuladhar, her leadership approach will focus on practical solutions, collaboration, and ensuring that NATTA remains responsive to the changing needs of its members.
Strengthening NATTA’s Role
Presenting her vision for the association, Tuladhar emphasized that NATTA should function not merely as a professional organization but as a strong representative body that actively advocates for the interests of tour and travel entrepreneurs. She believes the association must strengthen its role in policy advocacy, engage more effectively with government agencies and private stakeholders, and work towards creating a business-friendly environment for tourism enterprises. If elected, Tuladhar said one of her primary priorities would be to reconnect NATTA members with the association by ensuring that every member feels represented, supported, and actively involved in organizational decision-making.
Focus on Quality Tourism and International Promotion
Highlighting Nepal’s tourism potential, Tuladhar stressed that the country’s objective should go beyond increasing visitor numbers and instead focus on attracting higher-value travelers. She identified wellness tourists, adventure enthusiasts, leisure travelers, honeymooners, family visitors, and budget-conscious international tourists as important target markets capable of generating sustainable tourism growth.
To expand Nepal’s international presence, she proposed strengthening NATTA’s participation in major global travel exhibitions, organizing promotional roadshows in priority markets such as India and China, and enhancing collaboration with international tourism partners. She also expressed her commitment to further strengthening the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) while supporting other international tourism events hosted in Nepal to improve the country’s global visibility.
Promoting Domestic Tourism
Tuladhar also underscored the growing importance of domestic tourism, noting that travel by Nepali citizens has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. She believes NATTA should actively promote domestic tourism alongside international visitor arrivals by recognizing businesses and individuals who have consistently contributed to serving domestic travelers. According to her, encouraging year-round domestic travel would create a stronger and more resilient tourism economy while generating opportunities for tourism entrepreneurs across the country.
Bridging Generations in the Tourism Industry
Another key pillar of Tuladhar’s agenda is fostering greater collaboration between experienced tourism professionals and the younger generation entering the industry. She said NATTA should create an environment where young entrepreneurs can contribute innovative ideas while benefiting from the experience of senior industry leaders. At the same time, she emphasized the need to encourage new investors and tourism businesses to participate more actively in the sector. Tuladhar believes combining experience, innovation, and collaboration will strengthen both NATTA and Nepal’s broader tourism industry.
Commitment to the Industry
Describing her candidacy as a commitment rather than merely an election campaign, Tuladhar said she is prepared to dedicate the next two years to advancing the interests of Nepal’s tourism industry. She expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between NATTA members, government agencies, and tourism stakeholders can contribute to building a more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive tourism sector.
