The United Hotel & Guesthouse Professionals Association Nepal (UHGPAN) successfully concluded its 7th General Convention at Hotel Crystal Pashupati in Gaushala, Kathmandu. The event culminated in the announcement of newly elected office-bearers and executive members, most of whom were elected unopposed, reflecting unity and collaboration within the hospitality fraternity.
Peaceful Election and Strong Unity Within the Association
The election was overseen by the Election Committee, which issued an official notice declaring the results on 2082/04/16. According to the statement, all the candidates were elected without opposition, a rare instance that highlights the strong coordination and shared vision among the members of the association.
The UHGPAN has long served as a vital platform for hotel and guesthouse entrepreneurs, advocating for the rights, development, and promotion of the tourism and hospitality industry in Nepal. With its 7th convention, the association reinforced its commitment to creating an inclusive, professional, and service-oriented environment for hoteliers across the country.
New Leadership: Commitment to Development and Reform
Saroj Ale has been elected as the new President of the association. Known for his leadership in grassroots-level tourism enterprises, Ale emphasized his vision to modernize the guesthouse and budget hotel sector through sustainable practices, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships with government and tourism boards.
Sarman Limbu will serve as the First Vice President, supported by Tilak Chapagain as the Second Vice President and Prajwal Shrestha as the Third Vice President. These positions are considered key in decision-making and policy advocacy.
In the executive leadership, Lal Bahadur Baniya (Anish) was elected as General Secretary, while Kushal Shrestha will take the role of Secretary. Both have prior experience in tourism administration and local community initiatives. Ekdev Pandey (Sandeep) has taken on the role of Treasurer, with Gopal Koirala as Joint Treasurer. Their financial oversight will be essential in managing the association’s budget, future conventions, and developmental programs.
Inclusive Representation in Executive Membership
The new executive team features a diverse range of professionals, including several women and members from various ethnic backgrounds. Among the open-category members, Goma Limbu, Junu Subba, Ishwar Prasad Poudel, Chandeshwor Shrestha, and Yadav Subedi have been elected. Additionally, Dipendra Yadav, Khim Prasad Ghimire, Ratna Prasad Poudel (Shambhu), and Deepak Pokhrel were elected as members, reflecting a balanced and inclusive leadership team.
This diverse representation is expected to bring broader perspectives to the association’s future goals, particularly concerning local tourism, regional collaboration, hygiene standards, safety, and customer service.
Audit Committee Elected to Ensure Transparency
To maintain transparency and accountability within the organization, an independent Audit Committee was also formed during the convention. Dhruba Kumar Shrestha was elected as the Coordinator, with Uma Devi Rai and Raju Thapa Santoshi as Members. This committee will be responsible for overseeing financial records, regulatory compliance, and operational standards of the association.
Vision for the Future
Speaking at the convention, newly elected President Saroj Ale said, “We are entering a new era of opportunity in Nepal’s hospitality industry. Our association will focus on digital transformation, infrastructure enhancement, legal training for operators, and collaborative marketing with stakeholders like the Nepal Tourism Board and local municipalities.”
He also highlighted the need to address ongoing challenges, such as regulatory hurdles, lack of skilled human resources, and the demand for quality services at affordable prices. The new leadership aims to provide periodic training, financial literacy workshops, and policy dialogue with government institutions to safeguard the interests of hoteliers, especially those operating small and medium enterprises.
With a renewed leadership and strategic vision, the United Hotel & Guesthouse Professionals Association Nepal is expected to lead the sector toward a more professional, organized, and growth-oriented future.
Elected Office-Bearers and Members of UHGPAN (2082)
| S.N. | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saroj Ale | President |
| 2 | Sarman Limbu | First Vice President |
| 3 | Tilak Chapagain | Second Vice President |
| 4 | Prajwal Shrestha | Third Vice President |
| 5 | Lal Bahadur Baniya (Anish) | General Secretary |
| 6 | Kushal Shrestha | Secretary |
| 7 | Ekdev Pandey (Sandeep) | Treasurer |
| 8 | Gopal Koirala | Joint Treasurer |
| 9 | Goma Limbu | Member (Open) |
| 10 | Junu Subba | Member |
| 11 | Ishwor Prasad Poudel | Member |
| 12 | Chandeshwor Shrestha | Member |
| 13 | Yadav Subedi | Member |
| 14 | Dipendra Yadav | Member |
| 15 | Khim Prasad Ghimire | Member |
| 16 | Ratna Prasad Poudel (Shambhu) | Member |
| 17 | Deepak Pokhrel | Member |
Audit Committee
| S.N. | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhruba Kumar Shrestha | Coordinator |
| 2 | Uma Devi Rai | Member |
| 3 | Raju Thapa Santoshi | Member |
