Renowned tourism marketing professional Shradha Shrestha, who has spent nearly 20 years promoting Nepal in the global tourism arena, has been appointed as the new Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens. Shrestha, a senior manager at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), is widely recognized for her contributions to tourism branding, digital promotions, and sustainable tourism development.
A Distinguished Career in Tourism Promotion
Shrestha has been actively involved in Nepal’s tourism sector for almost two decades. At NTB, she served in key leadership roles including Brand Promotion Manager and Corporate Partnership Manager, taking Nepal’s tourism destinations to international platforms. She has led multiple digital campaigns to globally highlight Nepal as a premier travel destination, while also representing the country at major international travel fairs and tourism forums.
Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Projects
At the time of her appointment, Shrestha was serving as the Project Chief of the Sustainable Tourism Program at the Nepal Tourism Board. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focuses on promoting rural and community-based tourism across Nepal. Her work in the program has been instrumental in creating inclusive and environment-friendly tourism models that empower local communities.
Key Role During the COVID-19 Tourism Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shrestha was a core member of the Tourism Crisis Management Team. The team coordinated rescue efforts for stranded tourists, led the sector’s recovery strategy, and supported the development of guidelines to restore traveler confidence after the decline brought by the global crisis. Her contribution was widely appreciated for helping stabilize one of Nepal’s hardest-hit industries.
Academic Excellence and Professional Versatility
Shradha Shrestha holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics and International Development from the University of Michigan, USA. Alongside her tourism leadership, she is known as a traveler, blogger, and brand strategist, inspiring young professionals and advocating for greater women’s participation in tourism entrepreneurship.
Championing Women and Youth in Tourism
Throughout her career, Shrestha has championed the causes of women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and inclusive tourism development. Her promotion to senior manager at NTB seven years ago marked a significant milestone, reflecting her leadership abilities and long-standing dedication to the sector. With her appointment as minister, stakeholders expect she will bring fresh perspective, strategic thinking, and a results-driven approach to policies impacting women, children, and senior citizens.
A Tourism Expert Now Leading a Social Sector Ministry
Despite her extensive background in tourism, Shrestha has now taken on the role of Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, one of Nepal’s most socially sensitive ministries. Observers note that her development experience, crisis-management skills, and long-standing involvement with community-focused tourism make her well-positioned to bring fresh perspectives to the ministry. Her appointment is seen as an opportunity to integrate innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment-driven leadership into national social policies.
