Krishna Lal Maharjan has been unanimously elected President of the Patan Tourism Development Organization (PTDO) during the organization’s 31st Annual General Meeting held on Friday in Lalitpur. His election marks a new chapter for the organization, which has spent more than three decades promoting tourism and preserving Patan’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
The annual general meeting was held in the presence of chief guest Jagdish Kharel and attended by members, tourism entrepreneurs, and representatives from various sectors. The new executive committee was elected unanimously.
About the Patan Tourism Development Organization
Established 31 years ago, the Patan Tourism Development Organization has played a significant role in promoting Patan as one of Nepal’s leading cultural and heritage tourism destinations. The organization works closely with local communities, government agencies, and tourism stakeholders to preserve historical monuments, promote Newari culture, and encourage sustainable tourism development.
Over the years, PTDO has organized heritage conservation campaigns, tourism promotion programs, cultural events, and awareness initiatives that have strengthened Patan’s reputation as one of the country’s most important heritage cities and a major attraction within the Kathmandu Valley.
New Executive Committee Elected
Alongside Krishna Lal Maharjan as President, the organization unanimously elected a new executive committee. Dilendra Raj Shrestha was elected Immediate Past President, Satyaratna Shakya as Vice President, Mohan Byanjankar as General Secretary, Sarita Awale as Treasurer, and Sagun Dhakhwa as Joint Secretary.
The executive committee also includes Laxman Krishna Rajbhandari, Santaman Maharjan, Sushil Bajracharya, Yubika Bhandari, Anil Shakya, Dharma Raj Shakya, and Dr. Rohit Kumar Ranjitkar as members.
The newly elected committee is expected to continue promoting tourism while strengthening collaboration among tourism entrepreneurs, local communities, and government agencies.
President Maharjan Outlines Vision
Following his election, President Krishna Lal Maharjan reaffirmed his commitment to advancing tourism in Patan through effective planning, heritage conservation, and destination promotion. He emphasized that protecting Patan’s centuries-old monuments and unique cultural identity would remain a key priority while expanding tourism opportunities for both domestic and international visitors.
Maharjan also expressed confidence that stronger cooperation with government bodies, tourism organizations, local businesses, and community stakeholders would further enhance Patan’s position as one of Nepal’s premier heritage destinations.
He brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having previously served as President of the Lalitpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and currently as an Executive Committee Member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).
Tourism Contributors Honored
During the program, the organization honored Purna Lal Shrestha, the first captain from Lalitpur, and Hotel Himalaya in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The awards acknowledged their long-standing efforts in supporting tourism development and promoting the country’s hospitality industry.
Strengthening Patan’s Tourism Future
The election of the new leadership comes as Patan continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nepal’s premier heritage tourism destinations. Renowned for its UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, centuries-old temples, traditional Newari architecture, museums, monasteries, and vibrant cultural festivals, the historic city attracts thousands of domestic and international visitors each year.
With renewed leadership and a continued focus on heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and stakeholder collaboration, the Patan Tourism Development Organization aims to further enhance Patan’s tourism appeal while preserving its rich cultural legacy for future generations.
