The Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) has formally inaugurated a four-day training program on “Tour Product Development & Digital Capacity Building” in Dhangadhi, Kailali. The initiative is part of efforts to enhance tourism skills and digital competence among tourism professionals in the Sudurpaschim region. The program is conducted under the coordination of NATTA Central Office, with support from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) under the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), and organized locally by the NATTA Sudurpaschim Province Association.
The training is being held at The Rubus Hotel Pvt. Ltd., Dhangadhi, from 26–29 Magh 2082 (BS) and has drawn over 30 participants from various sectors of the tourism industry, including hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, homestays, and other tourism-related enterprises.
Focus on tourism product development and digital capacity
The primary objective of the program is to strengthen the skills of tourism professionals in developing innovative tourism products while also improving their digital capacity. This initiative comes at a time when the tourism sector in Sudurpaschim Province is seeking to attract more visitors and create unique, sustainable tourism experiences.
Participants will gain practical knowledge in tourism product design, market analysis, digital marketing, and the use of technology in promoting tourism services. By combining hands-on training with theoretical guidance, the program aims to equip local tourism stakeholders with the tools to enhance their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
Inauguration ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Mr. Padam Bikram Singh, President of the NATTA Sudurpaschim Province Association. During the ceremony, he emphasized the importance of continuous skill development in the tourism sector and highlighted the role of tourism in promoting regional economic growth and cultural exchange.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Khadga Bikram Shah, National Programme Coordinator of the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), Nepal Tourism Board / UNDP, congratulated the organizers and participants for taking part in this important capacity-building initiative. He stressed that such programs would not only improve service quality in the region but also help establish Sudurpaschim as a preferred tourist destination.
Collaboration and support
The training program reflects a strong collaboration between NATTA, NTB, and STP, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The organizers acknowledged the contributions of trainers, experts, and dignitaries who made the inauguration ceremony a success.
Such training programs are crucial for boosting the skills of tourism professionals, enabling them to create innovative tourism packages, improve customer service, and leverage digital tools for marketing and business growth. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader goal of promoting sustainable tourism across Nepal, particularly in underexplored regions like Sudurpaschim.
Participant engagement and expected outcomes
With active engagement from participants, the four-day program is expected to result in enhanced knowledge of product development, digital promotion strategies, and effective tourism management practices. The skills gained during the training will allow local tourism businesses to offer improved experiences to travelers, generate higher revenue, and create a positive impact on local communities.
By empowering tourism professionals with modern skills and digital tools, the program is poised to contribute to the growth of the regional tourism sector, encourage entrepreneurship, and support the overall development of Sudurpaschim Province as a sustainable and attractive travel destination.
The training is part of a series of initiatives by NATTA and NTB to strengthen human resources in Nepal’s tourism sector, ensuring that local stakeholders are equipped to meet the demands of evolving tourism markets. Programs like this are essential for building resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability within Nepal’s tourism industry.
The organizers and participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making the inauguration a success, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing tourism in Sudurpaschim Province.
