Rajendra Prasad Sapkota, a candidate for the presidency of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), has officially announced his candidacy along with his panel. During an event held today, Sapkota and his team unveiled a 20-point election manifesto outlining their vision for the future of the trekking industry.
TAAN’s upcoming annual general assembly, scheduled for Bhadra 17, will see the election of a new executive committee. Sapkota’s panel includes Karma Sherpa as Senior Vice President, Bishnu Prasad Lamsal as First Vice President, and Sanam Sherpa as Second Vice President. Other candidates include Rajendra Prasad Subedi for General Secretary, Rinjin Jangbu Sherpa for Secretary, Gautam Raj Wagle for Treasurer, and Lakpa Temba Sherpa for Joint Treasurer.
The panel also announced candidates for the executive committee members: Sagar Rai, Suman Aryal, Raju Gurung, Dinesh Timalsina, Bishwo Dahal, Bhuwan Bahadur Khadka, Dawa Gyaltsen Lama, Chepet Lama, and Pabitra Tamang.
Sapkota emphasized that the preservation of trekking routes and policy reforms would be his primary focus. “Without proper trekking trails, the industry faces potential crises. My commitment is to preserve these trails and ensure long-term sustainable development of the trekking business,” Sapkota stated.
He also highlighted the need to integrate adventure tourism into the curriculum to promote it effectively, stressing that tourism, a key pillar of economic prosperity, requires robust promotion. Sapkota further revealed plans to organize an international-level ‘Adventure Travel Mart’ under TAAN’s leadership. General Secretary candidate Rajendra Prasad Subedi echoed Sapkota’s sentiments, pledging to play an active role in preserving trekking routes and promoting new destinations.
During the event, TAAN President Nil Hari Bastola underscored the importance of effective coordination and collaboration to make trekking tourism more organized and impactful. Former TAAN President Chandra Prasad Rijal expressed confidence that the new leadership would be capable of resolving the industry’s challenges and fostering a business-friendly environment within TAAN. In the TAAN elections, 17 members of the 25-member executive committee are elected, while the remaining members are nominated.
