The Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association (NTVA) successfully concluded its 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the organization and electing a new executive committee under the unopposed leadership of Mr. Bhim Bahadur Gole Tamang as President. The event was held at Hotel Shanker, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, in a grand and celebratory atmosphere, attended by distinguished dignitaries from Nepal’s tourism, transport, and business sectors.
Grand Inauguration Ceremony
The 22nd AGM was inaugurated by Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his opening remarks, Minister Pandey emphasized the importance of efficient and quality transport services in enhancing Nepal’s tourism sector. He acknowledged NTVA’s crucial role in providing safe and comfortable transportation to domestic and international tourists, thereby contributing directly to Nepal’s tourism economy.
The inauguration was attended by several high-profile guests, including former Minister for Tourism and current Member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Hit Bahadur Tamang, Bagmati Province Tourism Secretary, Mr. Dipendra Subedi, Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Mr. Hem Raj Dhakal.
Similarly, the Vice Chairperson of the Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Kamal Sapkota, Chief of Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, SSP Nawaraj Adhikari, Vice President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Surendra Kumar Shrestha, Central Committee Member of Nepali Congress, Mr. Ganesh Lama, NTVA Gandaki Province President, Mr. Durgadatta Dahal, SP Dipak Giri, FNCCI executive members, representatives from the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and presidents and delegates from various tourism-related associations. The presence of journalists from major national media outlets added further prominence to the event.
Election of the New Executive Committee
Following the AGM proceedings, the association held its leadership election, which saw Mr. Bhim Bahadur Gole Tamang elected unopposed as the new President of NTVA. This smooth and uncontested election reflects the unity, trust, and confidence among the association’s members in his leadership capabilities. The newly elected executive committee includes senior office bearers and members who are expected to bring new energy and strategic direction to the organization during their tenure.
The outgoing leadership expressed confidence that the new team will continue to strengthen the association’s role in advocating for the rights and interests of tourist vehicle operators, ensuring professional standards, and promoting sustainable tourism transport solutions.
NTVA’s Role in Nepal’s Tourism Development
Since its establishment, NTVA has played a vital role in ensuring that tourist transportation in Nepal meets international safety, comfort, and service standards. The association represents a network of licensed tourist vehicle operators who cater to domestic and foreign travelers, ensuring their mobility across the country’s diverse destinations.
With Nepal’s tourism industry recovering and expanding post-pandemic, NTVA’s role has become even more critical. It not only facilitates comfortable travel for visitors but also ensures that transportation services align with environmental and regulatory standards. The association also works closely with government agencies, tourism boards, and private sector stakeholders to address challenges related to infrastructure, road safety, and service quality.
Highlights from the AGM Discussions
During the meeting, members discussed key issues affecting tourist vehicle operations, including fuel price volatility, road maintenance, traffic management in major cities, and the need for upgraded vehicle fleets to meet the evolving expectations of international tourists. Delegates stressed the importance of policy advocacy to ensure that the government recognizes the tourism transport sector as a vital contributor to the national economy.
Members also explored opportunities to integrate eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric tourist vehicles, to support Nepal’s sustainable tourism goals. These discussions align with global trends in tourism, where environmental responsibility is becoming an essential factor for travelers.
Message of Congratulations and Goodwill
Following the announcement of the new leadership, various dignitaries, including Minister Pandey, former Minister Tamang, and other senior guests, extended heartfelt congratulations to President Bhim Bahadur Gole Tamang and his entire executive team. They expressed optimism that the new leadership will strengthen NTVA’s institutional capacity, expand its membership base, and ensure better coordination with tourism stakeholders at both provincial and national levels.
The NTVA Secretariat also issued a formal statement congratulating all elected office bearers and members, wishing them a successful and impactful tenure. The message highlighted the association’s commitment to working collectively towards modernizing Nepal’s tourist vehicle services and ensuring a high-quality experience for all visitors.
ommitment to Future Goals
In his acceptance speech, President Gole Tamang expressed gratitude to all members for their trust and support. He pledged to work tirelessly to address the pressing challenges faced by tourist vehicle operators, enhance member benefits, and advocate for favorable policies with government authorities. He also committed to promoting professional training for drivers and operators, ensuring safety and hospitality remain top priorities.
He emphasized that under his leadership, NTVA will focus on three core areas:
- Upgrading Fleet Standards – Encouraging members to adopt modern, comfortable, and eco-friendly vehicles.
- Policy Advocacy – Engaging with policymakers to secure supportive regulations and incentives for the sector.
- Service Excellence – Implementing programs to raise service quality, ensuring every tourist enjoys a safe and pleasant travel experience.
The 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association not only celebrated the unity and commitment of its members but also paved the way for a new chapter under the leadership of President Bhim Bahadur Gole Tamang. With strong participation from government officials, business leaders, tourism stakeholders, and the media, the event underscored NTVA’s significant role in shaping the future of tourism transport in Nepal.
As the newly elected team takes charge, the association looks forward to building on past achievements while embracing innovation and sustainability to meet the demands of a competitive global tourism market. With a clear vision and a collaborative spirit, NTVA is poised to enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors exploring the beauty and culture of Nepal.
