Krishna Prasad Dhakal has announced his candidacy for the post of Secretary General of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) for the 2026–2028 term, as part of the leadership team led by presidential candidate Yubika Bhandari.
Dhakal’s candidacy comes ahead of NATTA’s 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 25th Executive Committee Election, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on August 14, 2026 (Shrawan 29, 2083 BS). The election will select the association’s new leadership for the 2026–2028 term.
Extensive Experience in Tourism, Finance and Entrepreneurship
Dhakal has built extensive professional experience across Nepal’s financial, agricultural, tourism and hospitality sectors. He has been associated as a founding investor and promoter with several prominent institutions, including Muktinath Bikas Bank, Muktinath Agriculture Company, Muktinath Capital, Siddhartha Hospitality and Muktinath Food Bank.
His experience in tourism and travel is particularly focused on the travel trade and destination promotion. He currently serves as the Chairman of Desire Nepal Treks, Travel and Tours, based in Thamel, and has been involved in trekking, cultural and religious tourism, adventure travel, air ticketing and international tourism cooperation.
Dhakal has also served as Chairman of Ghanishtha Investment Pvt. Ltd. His previous experience as a NATTA board member has given him direct exposure to the association’s institutional challenges, the concerns of its members and the broader expectations of Nepal’s tourism entrepreneurs.
Four-Point Agenda for a Stronger NATTA
Dhakal’s candidacy is based on a vision of building a more member-focused, technology-friendly, accountable and result-oriented NATTA. His key priorities include:
- National and international collaboration for tourism promotion
- Expansion into new markets, destinations and business opportunities
- Youth leadership development and professional empowerment
- Effective advocacy for policy reforms
His broader vision also emphasizes institutional transparency, stronger member engagement, the use of technology in organizational operations and collective leadership to strengthen NATTA’s role as the voice of Nepal’s travel and tourism industry.
Academic Background and International Exposure
Dhakal holds a master’s degree in Political Science from Tribhuvan University. He is also a researcher in history and teaches Political Science and socio-economic development at Active Academy.
Having travelled to more than 30 countries, Dhakal has gained international exposure to tourism markets and business practices. His experience in the private sector, tourism industry, institutional leadership and academic fields has provided him with a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Nepal’s travel and tourism sector.
Active in Social and Institutional Leadership
Beyond business and tourism, Dhakal has also remained active in social and professional organizations. He is the founder of Muktinath Foundation, an active member of Lions Clubs International and the Charter President of Kiwanis Club of Royal Kathmandu.
His combination of investment experience, tourism-sector knowledge, institutional understanding, academic background and social leadership is expected to strengthen his candidacy for the Secretary General position.
With the 59th NATTA AGM and leadership election set for August 14, 2026, the contest for the association’s 2026–2028 executive committee is gaining momentum, with Yubika Bhandari’s team presenting a leadership platform focused on tourism promotion, market expansion, youth empowerment and policy advocacy.
