The Pacific Asia Travel Association’s (PATA) Nepal Chapter has formed an eight member Advisory Committee consisting of tourism and hospitality professionals, who will provide strategic guidance to the Executive Committee for the 2026/2028 term. The PATA Nepal Chapter Executive Committee formed the Advisory Committee at a meeting held on October 12, 2026. The committee consists of tourism and hospitality professionals who have extensive experience in tour operations, medical services and destination development.
Newly appointed member of PATA Nepal Chapters are Dipendra Purush Dhakal, former secretary of the Ministry of Tourism; Dr. Prativa Pandey, medical director of CIWEC Hospital; Bijay Amatya, CEO of Kora Tours; and Ashok Pokharel, director and chief operating officer of Shangri La Tours.
They have experience in public sector tourism administration, healthcare services and private-sector travel operations. The committee also includes Deepak Raj Joshi, former chief executive officer of the Nepal Tourism Board; Bibhuti Chand Thakur, managing director and founder of Himalayan Holidays; Bikram Pandey, founder of BuddhistCircuits.com; and Shiva Dhakal, managing director of Royal Mountain Travel.
Their experience in tourism promotion, travel services and destination related businesses is expected to contribute to the chapter’s strategic discussions. The members are expected to provide professional insights and guidance to the Executive Committee throughout its two year tenure. By bringing together expertise from different areas of the tourism industry, the Advisory Committee is positioned to support institutional decision making and strengthen collaboration among tourism stakeholders in Nepal.
Diverse Expertise to Support Tourism Development via PATA Nepal Chapter
The committee’s membership represents several areas of Nepal’s tourism ecosystem, including tour operations, hospitality, tourism promotion and destination services. This diversity can help the Executive Committee draw on different professional perspectives when considering industry priorities and opportunities for growth.
The participation of former tourism administrators and industry executives also provides a link between public sector experience and private-sector operations. Their collective knowledge is expected to contribute to discussions on tourism development, industry cooperation and the long term competitiveness of Nepal as a travel destination.
Industry Collaboration Remains a Key Priority
The formation of the Advisory Committee reflects PATA Nepal Chapter’s effort to engage experienced professionals in supporting its leadership and activities. Cooperation among tourism businesses, industry organizations and experienced practitioners is important for addressing shared challenges and identifying opportunities to improve Nepal’s tourism offerings.
Through the committee, the chapter aims to draw on industry knowledge to strengthen coordination and support initiatives that benefit tourism stakeholders. The advisory structure provides a platform for members to contribute their expertise during the Executive Committee’s 2026/2028 tenure.
Chairman Narendra Bhatta Thanks Advisory Committee Members
PATA Nepal Chapter Chairman Narendra Bhatta and the Executive Committee have expressed their appreciation to all eight members for accepting the advisory roles. The chapter has acknowledged the value of their professional experience and guidance as it continues its work to support Nepal’s tourism industry.
The committee is expected to contribute to the chapter’s broader efforts to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in Nepal. Its guidance will support the Executive Committee as it works with industry stakeholders to advance tourism development and strengthen Nepal’s position as a destination in the regional and international travel markets.
