Webinar on Strategies and Challenges for Recovery Through Domestic TourismSaturday, May 30th, 2020

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) CEO interacted with Nepali professors working in North American universities, tourism institute in China and tourism entrepreneurs in Nepal to discuss challenges and strategies for recovery through domestic tourism in Nepal during and post-COVID-19, on Friday evening, May 29, 2020.

The panelists included CEO Dr. Regmi, representative from the private sector Mr. Yogendra Shakya, Professor at the University of Florida Dr. Brijesh Thapa, Assistant Professor at the Macao Institute of Tourism Studies Dr. Sandeep Basnyat, Professor of Arizona State University Dr. Gyan Nyaupane, and special guest Ms. Lakhphuti Sherpa, who was a special guest due to the 13th International Mt. Everest Day (Chairperson of Nepal Mountain Academy and an Everest summiteer).

The Government has covered the pressing tourism issues through budget according to CEO Dr. Regmi. Dr. Regmi expressed optimism about domestic tourism with provision for domestic tourism through Leave Travel Concession (LTC) to civil and private sector employees, inclusion of tourism studies in school curriculum, programs and discounted packages for travelers etc. CEO Dr. Regmi garnered support for collaboration and cooperation for revival of the tourism industry. “We can get through this if we work together,” he said.

Private Sector Representative and former member of NTB Executive Committee Mr. Shakya said the industry cannot survive without domestic tourism, and fortunately Nepal tourism industry’s mindset towards domestic tourism has changed positively over the years. He stressed on the need for product and private sector collaboration in addition to domestic tourism friendly policies.

Dr. Thapa emphasized the need to develop consumer confidence through strict implementation of safety protocols, focused and thematic campaigns, and collaboration. Similarly, Dr. Basnyat said building consumer connection through steady stream of positive stories and digital content, facilitation of online payment, employment generation etc. are important aspects of revival. Ms. Sherpa added tailor-made packages and agro tourism could help boost domestic tourism.

The webinar was coordinated in Nepal by Lila Bahadur Baniya, the Officiating Director of NTB. It was streamed live from the Nepal Tourism Board – Trade Facebook page with reach of 4,000+ and 2.7 K views.