In a significant institutional reform aimed at strengthening Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sector, the government has officially merged two key bodies into a single entity, forming the Nepal Academy of Tourism, Hotel and Mountaineering (NATHM).
The decision was formalized through a gazette notification published on Baishakh 10, 2083, under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The newly established institution brings together the former Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) and the Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA) into one unified national platform.
A New Chapter for Travel and Hospitality Training
The creation of NATHM marks a strategic shift toward integrated development of tourism education, training, and research in Nepal. The institution will be responsible for designing and implementing academic and professional training programs across a wide range of sectors, including hotels, trekking, mountaineering, and travel services.
Officials say the move is intended to streamline institutional functions, reduce duplication, and enhance the quality of training for Nepal’s growing travel workforce. The new academy will also serve as a central hub for capacity building, ensuring that human resources in the tourism sector meet international standards.
High-Level Representation in Governing Committee
The governing committee of NATHM reflects a multi-sectoral approach, incorporating representatives from key government bodies and industry stakeholders. The committee will be chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Members include joint secretaries from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, a representative from the National Planning Commission, the Director General of the Department of Immigration, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board.
In addition, leadership from major private sector associations, such as the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, and the Hotel Association Nepal, will also be part of the committee. The government will also nominate one women expert from the field of mountain tourism to ensure inclusive representation. The Executive Director of the academy will serve as the member-secretary of the committee.
Broad Mandate Covering Policy, Training and Research
NATHM has been assigned a comprehensive mandate that goes beyond traditional training roles. The institution will be responsible for formulating policies, regulations, and codes of conduct related to tourism education and professional standards. It will also conduct research, surveys, and studies to support evidence-based development of Nepal’s travel industry.
Practical training will be a key focus, with program designed to provide hands-on experience to students in hotels, restaurants, lodges, and travel service operations. The academy is also expected to build partnerships with national and international universities, expanding opportunities for academic exchange and collaboration. Additionally, the institution will play an advisory role in recommending new mountain for mountaineering, contributing to the expansion of Nepal’s climbing travel sector.
Executive Leadership and Administrative Structure
The Executive Director, who will be appointed from among senior civil servants of the first gazetted class, will serve a four-year non-renewable term. The role carries significant responsibility, including overseeing daily operations, managing budgets, and ensuring regular reporting to the governing committee. Officials said the leadership structure is designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and efficient management of the institution.
Seamless Transition from Previous Institutions
As part of the restructuring, all assets, liabilities, businesses, and legal rights of the former Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management Committee and the Mountain Training Development Committee have been automatically transferred to NATHM. Permanent staff from both institutions will be integrated into the new structure at equivalent positions, ensuring continuity and stability. Contract employees and trainers will continue their roles as per their existing agreements.
Toward a More Competitive Tourism Industry
Experts believe the establishment of NATHM is a timely step as Nepal seeks to strengthen its position in the global tourism market. With increasing competition and evolving industry demands, a unified institution is expected to improve coordination, enhance skills development, and foster innovation. The move also aligns with Nepal’s long-term vision of developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting sustainable tourism growth across sectors.
The formation of the Nepal Academy of Tourism, Hotel and Mountaineering represents a major milestone in the country’s tourism development strategy. By bringing together education, training, research, and policy under one umbrella, the government aims to create a more cohesive and future-ready tourism ecosystem. With its expanded mandate and inclusive governance structure, NATHM is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of Nepal’s tourism industry.
