The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki recently conducted a five-day digital marketing training program for local entrepreneurs. The training, attended by 31 participants, focused on utilizing technology to promote and expand their businesses. International trainer Jeroen Vinkesteijn from the Netherlands led the sessions.
The training was part of the Sustainable Tourism Project for Livelihoods Recovery, a collaborative effort between the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), according to Krishna Acharya, First Vice President of TAAN Gandaki.
“We are in an era of information technology and digital advancements. This training was designed to help participants leverage digital tools for business development and promotion. It was highly effective, and the participants were very satisfied,” Acharya remarked.
At the closing ceremony, Kuman Singh Gurung, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment of Gandaki Province, highlighted the ministry’s various programs and plans aimed at extending tourists’ stays. He noted the dual challenge of promoting and preserving trekking routes. “We face significant challenges in promoting and protecting our trekking routes. We are committed to developing tourism in a planned manner,” Gurung stated.
Secretary Gurung also emphasized that the provincial government facilitated the declaration of Pokhara as the tourism capital based on the demands of tourism entrepreneurs and the local population. He underscored the crucial role of digital marketing in tourism promotion.
TAAN Gandaki President Dharmaraj Panthi identified digital marketing as a major challenge for businesses today. He expressed that the training was highly beneficial and announced plans for more skill-based training programs in the future.
Prominent figures such as Pomanarayan Shrestha, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, former TAAN President Som Bahadur Thapa, and TAAN Secretary Tirtharaj Subedi also attended the event. They echoed the sentiment that the training would significantly enhance the capabilities of local entrepreneurs.
