Nepal’s Participation at CITM 2016 Concludes SuccessfullySunday, November 20th, 2016
SHANGHAI, China, Nov. 13, 2016 - Nepal Tourism Board in cooperation with 8 private sector tour operators successfully participated in the China International Travel Mart (CITM 2016) in Shanghai, China, from Nov. 11-13, 2016. The platform was successfully used by Nepali tour operators to renew their China contacts and make new ones, while the participation also boosted visibility of Nepal in China market which is one of the most rapidly growing outbound markets in the world.
Nepal’s participation at the fair was appreciated by Chinese tourists, who visited in large numbers to inquire about the present situation, the tourism products, and the accessibility to Nepal for Chinese in terms of visa and airlines. The “free visa for Chinese tourists” information was welcomed by most and brought positive response from the audience with many stating they would plan a trip to Nepal in the near future. Private sector participants were able to reach their niche market and were positive about the outcome of the fair. They suggested better branding and more budget on Nepal stand, customized content for more visibility in the near future.
The fair was led by Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with eight private sector tourism companies: Aarya Village Travel Pvt. Ltd., Fishtail Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd., Adventure Outdoor Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Yeti Airlines Domestic Pvt. Ltd., Saathi Nepal Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd., Shaung Qi Tours Pvt. Ltd., ITour International Travel Service P. Ltd., and S & T Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
China is a fast-growing value market for Nepal. As per official data, tourist arrival number from China was 123,805 in 2014 and 113,173 in 2013. In China’s case, in the 3 quarters of the present year, 3.36 billion domestic visits were made and the inbound and outbound tourist visits added up to 194 million, as per information shared by Mr. Li Jinzao, Chairman of China National Tourism Administration Shanghai. China has been the largest outbound tourism spender for 4 years in a row, contributing more than 13 percent to the global tourism revenue, according to Mr. Jinzao.
Nepal and China are recorded to have shared people-to-people ties since the 5th century; although, historians believe older association. Since very early times, the two neighbors have been linked by cultural and spiritual ties including explorations, matrimonial alliances and exchanges. Xuan Zhang, a famous Chinese traveler, visited Lumbini and Kathmandu in the 7th century. Similarly, in 639, Nepali Princess Bhrikuti (Khridzun), daughter of King Udayadev (Amshuvarma) was given in marriage to King SongtsanGampo in China.
