Editorial
Board
Mr.
Nima Dendi Sherpa
Mr. Nawang D. Sherpa
Mr. Kedar Bantawa
Mr. Vijay Shrestha
Mr. Ang Karma Sherpa
Mr. Sagun Lawoti
random
thoughts........
Our Tourism Industry is going
through hard times in recent years. The political turmoil that has been
raiding the country for years and the recent service charge fiasco has plunged
the industry in to a very dire situation. Moreover, the atrocities ourselves
in our own solipsism we lose track of the trends in the world is extremely
sensitive to intense competition, whims, fashions, prevailing political
situation and its scenario projected by news media.
To express that our tourism
industry is the highest foreign exchange earning avenue in the country, is
perhaps a redundant; still it doesn't occupies the country's politico's
priority list. While it appears that private sectors could have their say for
now, it is being regularly either hoodwinked or put into the back burner or
subjected to monopoly through backdoors.
It is high time, we realize the
gravity of our predicament and lead our way out through this cul-de-sac before
we run out of time and suffer a nose-dive backlash beyond recuperation. The
prognosis of this present sad-lot of our industry is to draw a radius of
convergence. It is also equally crucially linked with our ability to think
clearly evolve a creative vision and rigorous strategic planning for the
'Destination Marketing' of the country per se. And this should in effect
result in generation of the multiplier effect in our economy. Prior to this,
it would be foolish and even suicidal, if I may use that word, to talk about
the sufficient share of the pie, because the pie is not large enough!
Finally, I would very like to
thank our team of staffs in bringing out this issue of TAAN Newsletter. It is
really heartening to find that it is coming out regularly and hope it will
continuously upgrade itself in due course of time.
Rajendra
Bantawa
President
— TAAN
----------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW
Government
is facilitator not controller
—Varun P. Shrestha, Secretary, Ministry of Culture,
Tourism and Civil Aviation
TAAN
Publication Sub Committee approached Mr. Varun P. Shrestha, Secretary,
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, with questions concerning
trekking and tourism industry. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Shrestha took
time to answers the queries. Excerpts:
Q.
After the removal of trekking permit, it has not been possible to
maintain statistics while it has also been observed that, the removal has had
negative implications on trekking tourism. What do you suggest? Can trekking
permit be issued through TAAN?
A.
Underlying Principle in doing away the need of trekking permit along the
selected areas is to enhance trekking tourism in a more decentralized pattern
broadening its scale of operation through the elimination of barriers in the
movement of tourists and opening opportunities at local level.
Information
for the purpose of compiling statistical record can easily be maintained
through field offices of protected area management as Park or Conservation
Area Projects.
Role
of Association trekking tourism in the overall tourism activity of the country
even after the waiving of the permit in no way has demonstrated negative
implications.
Role
of Association of trekking service providers, in my opinion, must be focussed
more on upgrading the quality of services standard and enhancing professional
ethics among its members in order to draw increased number of trekkers with
increased level of satisfaction to clients for higher yield in return.
Q.
In the same manner the provision of Environment Officer too has been found to
be impractical and troublesome. The Tourism Council meeting held on 2056/8/3
had decided to remove the provision of Environment Officer, but so far that
hasn't been implemented. What would be the exact reason?
A. Practice
of accompanying environment officer was introduced with the intention of
guiding the clients and safeguarding the fragile environment from the
potential impact due to tourism activity along the areas which are very
vulnerable and remote from the perspective of physical and human state of
development.
During
the last meeting of the Tourism Council, it was discussed about the need of
reviewing the affectivity of such practice in changed development status of
such areas. As per the decision and directives from the meeting of the
Council, the issue of reviewing such practice is in process with concerned
Government agencies.
Q.
Of late, security has been a major concern for visitors, specially trekkers,
and tourism operators as well. Shouldn't His Majesty's Government timely
intervene and find a solution to that?
A.
Security and safety of visitors as well as nationals are the prime
responsibility of any State. Any lapses in security arrangement for visitors
and trekkers in Nepal are to be fully taken care by the concerned security
agencies with timely information and full support from tourism operators. So
that Nepal's image of peaceful destination in international in international
tourism market is to be fully capitalized by operators.
Q.
There has been much concern from the concerned parties that there should be
institutional representation in Nepal Tourism Board. At present the board
members are picked on an individual basis. What do you have to say on that?
A.
Nepal Tourism Board Act, which was formulated after full discussion and
deliberation with private sector tourism representatives, does not have any
provision of institutional representation from private sector in the Board.
Q.
What plans do the HMG have in order to sustain, promote and develop trekking
tourism in Nepal?
A. Trekking
tourism, no doubt, is one of the significant components of Nepalese tourism.
In order to achieve basic objective of poverty alleviation, a major thrust of
the ongoing Ninth National Plan, expansion and strengthen of this activity in
a much wider scale within the country and focussed promotion in the generation
market have been the main features reflected in the government policy and
marketing program of the Nepal Tourism Board.
Special
campaign of Visit Nepal Year in 1998 had given due priority to promote
trekking segment in all its publicity and product development activities.
Similarly, Destination Nepal Year is the program at hand under consideration
intending to be implemented to draw national and international attention
towards tourism in Nepal. Forthcoming golden jubilee celebration of the first
success of mankind on earth Mt. Everest is certainly drawing attention of
mountain lovers and mountain tour operators. His Majesty's Government of Nepal
has always accorded high priority to trekking activity as a combination of
mountain and culture tourism in all its national plans, annual programs and
policy implementation basically to support rural based economy in the country.
Q.
What do you think that the trekking companies can expect from the government?
A. Government
has adopted market based liberal economic policy. In this context government's
role is to be understood more as a facilitator and regulator rather than a
controller. Therefore even in tourism industry government has provided
necessary support and incentives to private sector to enhance their capability
and protect their investment.
Trekking
companies in Nepal are provided special monopoly rights in selected areas of
the country by implementing policy of their mandatory service to trekkers. And
their marketing function is assisted through destination. Further, there has
been free play on pricing policy without any intervention from the government.
Government always welcomes inputs and suggestions in updating policy for the
growth and development of tourism in the country.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OPINION
Shri Antu: tourism destination of
the east
Kedar Bantawa
They
say beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Agreed but what should one say
when one's eyes are held spellbound by beauty. When one is held transfixed and
beauty engulfs you. In such instances, one cannot but remain a mere
spectator—as one savors the beauty till the last drop.
That's
what had happened, as our bus jolted through the winding bends, gradually
leaving behind the subtropical warmth of terai. Even before we realized, me
and my Japanese companion Akino San were lost in our thoughts. The innumerable
bends, hair-raising steep slopes, rugged and dreadful cliffs, greenery seen
through the window screen all in unison however, seemed to sing that mellow
song of beauty.
The
innumerable bends and the deadly slopes that the bus passed through, in itself
may not be what is so-called beautiful, but there was something more to the
journey. The travel to admit was not only scary with its bone-chilling
on-the-edge experiences but also fulfilling and heart-warming—natural
splendor abound I found myself lulling at the lap of mother nature.
But
soon we got talking. "Akino San, how do you feel about Nepal?" To
which she replied, "Kedaru San, I am not able to describe the beauty of
your country in words. This place resembles and reminds me of my dear homeland
Asahikawa. Oh how beautiful are the winding roads amid the breathtaking green
environs. The rich paddy fields, the almost tailor-made enchanting tea
estates, everything about the terrain is beautiful."
I
could see my Japanese friend more than enchanted. Her euphoric state of mind I
could detect in her expression-full speech. The brilliance and the beauty of
the green tea estates of Ilam were such, we both were held spellbound. And all
along the journey—not to miss out the scenic and serene Kanyam Tea
Estate—our eyes kept darting here and there, kissing the unspoiled,
unraveled magnificence to the fullest. Indeed, we were experiencing one of the
simple-yet-exhilarating moments of our life.
A
female for a companion, and that too a foreigner is not something of a regular
ordeal that a Nepali has to go through. And that was bound to put me at my
toes as pairs of eyes kept on more than noticing us. At times, I had to gather
myself from distractions. Thanks to her assuring ways, her selfless laugh that
came from the heart, her frank and open mindset, I have to admit things did
not get worse.
Over
the years, I had had the opportunity to mingle with Japanese people. And it
was through those intimate encounters that I had got familiar with their
humility and humbleness. Besides I had also learnt of their love for tea—for
them tea is what for is water. And often, the discussion used to focus on
popularizing Kanyam tea in Japan.
The
bus was jutting along with that thought mind, until she interrupted: "I
wish I was born in Nepal and was the daughter of this land." Saying that
she began capturing the serene beauty in her camera. With time, the bus
reached Barne Tea Estate where it stopped for a breather. Not wasting any
time, here too Akino San moved on with her click! click!! A situation where
man, machine and nature had come in unison. But somehow in between the line, I
found myself recalling of my birthplace and childhood. But as all good things
have to come to an end, the bus moved on.
So
did we, with picturesque Barne waltzing in our minds. But soon beautiful,
enchanting and delightful Kanyam took over. Leaving us to savor the beauty, in
solitude—I could lose myself for hours. The beauty was such that it's hard
to describe splendor in words. There's that tea garden whose roots date back
to the Rana regime—making the plants at least half century old. The young
shrubs would sometimes catch our eyes and Akino San would beam with joy:
"What a pleasant tea garden. Nepal is like heaven. How glorious would it
be if I were to be reborn in Nepal." She didn't seem to get tired of
praising Nepal and that made me feel lucky—to be born a Nepali.
The
following morning we went to Sri Antu hill. The tower offers majestic view as
the rising sun paints the sky crimson red. As it casts its spell on the
surrounding in its will and pace. One can also spot the Tiger Hill of
Darjeeling. Some tourists and eager Nepalis had reached the tower ahead of us.
Thus, together our mind sang to the tune of the breathtaking sunrise.
I
know from experience that Japanese tourists are much attracted to the beauty
of Sri Antu. In fact, they were even keen to invest and develop it as a
tourism site. To admit, the place is easily accessible land has all the
potential to become the tourism destination of the east. Wonder, why the government,
tourism entrepreneurs and other concerned bodies are keeping mum on this.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSOCIATION NEWS
TAAN
holds 22nd AGM
Trekking
Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) held its 22nd Annual General Meeting at
Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat on 22 September 2000. Honorable Tarani Dutt Chataut
opened the meeting, the then Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Addressing the function and welcoming the participants and guests President
Mr. Rajendra Bantawa spoke on the need to develop adequate infrastructure for
the growth of the tourism industry. Stating tourism is a unique product of
Nepal he further expressed dissatisfaction over the indifference of the
governmental and non-governmental institutions towards the trekking industry
that according to statistics attracts thirty to forty percent of the tourists.
Mr.
Narendra Bajracharya, President, Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Mr.
Narendra Dev Bhatta, First Vice President, Nepal Association of Travel Agents
(NATA) and Mr. Kumar Ranabhat, President, Nepal Association of Rafting Agents
(NARA) spoke on the problems and challenges of the tourism industry and the
need to address them. Dr. Surendra Bhakta Pradhanang (father of Village
Tourism) highlighted on the close relationship between trekking tourism and
village development.
After
the inaugural function, the meeting went into close session where
representatives from TAAN member agencies exchanged ideas, views, comments and
suggestions. The 22nd AGM finally rounded off with cocktail and dinner.
This
was first such practice to AGM into two sections—inaugural and close
session. Besides the representatives from different associations, TAAN Advisor
Mrs. Yankila Sherpa, TAAN Advisor Mr. R. P. Pant, TAAN Advisor Mr. Shambhu
Tamang and Immediate Past President Mr. Pemba Sherpa were also present at the
function. At the AGM, the Executive Committee honored members of the outgoing
Executive Committee in appreciation to their contribution towards TAAN. The
plaque of honor was handed over by Chief Guest Hon'ble Chataut. Nepal Tourism
Board (NTB) however, was not represented at the occasion. The participants as
well as the guests did not seem to entertain the absence.
TAAN kicks ball for a cause
Trekking
Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) organized 'Royal Stag Maitree Football
Match' in aid of Nepal National Federation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
during the auspicious 56th Birthday Celebration of His Majesty King Birendra
Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Om Films was the co-organizer of the event which took
place on 27 January 2001 at Dasarath Stadium.
TAAN
team led by President Mr. Rajendra Bantawa beat Nepali film stars 4-2 in the
friendly match dominated by TAAN throughout the ninety minutes of play. The
winning team comprised of world record holder mountaineers Appa Sherpa and
Babu Chhiri Sherpa, speed climber Kazi Sherpa and Mt. Everest summitter Ang
Jangbu Sherpa. Buddhi Man Tamang and Amir Tamang scored two goals each to put
victory on TAAN's side.
Mr.
R. P. Pant, Advisor and former President TAAN, Mr. Sangya Dorjee Sherpa,
Treasurer TAAN, Mr. Tara P. Poon, Coordinator—Sports & Adventure Sub
Committee, Mr. Madan Adhikari, Mr. Anil Thapa, Mr. Sagun Lawoti, Mr. Devendra
Dongol, Mr. Suraj Rai, Mr. Palden Lama, Mr. Arjun Hoda, Mr. Gyanu Ram KC, Mr.
Krishna Gurung, Ms. Lamu Choti Sherpa, Mrs. Persis Pradhan, Mr. Nawang D.
Sherpa, Mr. Krishna Dhakal, Mr. Binaya Dhakal and Mr. Pemba Niru Sherpa were
the rest of the TAAN team members.
The
cine star team too was equally star studded. The likes of Bipana Thapa, Melina
Manandhar, Nir Bikram Shah, Karishma Manandhar, Saranga Shrestha, Dilip
Rayamajhi, Suresh Chhettri, Basundhara Bhusal, Ashok Sharma, Sambhujit
Banskota, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Yubraj Lama, Krishna Malla, Prakash Adhikari,
Puran Joshi, Narayan Puri, Rajaram Poudel, Dinesh D.C., Sunil Thapa had played
for the film star team.
Souvenirs distributed
As
the zealous spectators poured into the ground after the final whistle of the
'Royal Stag Maitree Football' the souvenir distribution program had to be
postponed. That finally got under way at Grand Hotel on 8 February 2001.
During
which TAAN President Mr. Rajendra Bantawa gave away souvenirs to cine star
team while senior actor/producer Nir Bikram Shah handed over souvenirs to the
TAAN team. While world famous mountaineer Kazi Sherpa handed over souvenirs to
the referees. TAAN also felicitated main sponsor Royal Stag, co-organizer Om
Films and Nepal National Federation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing for
their contribution towards the success of the event.
Trekking guides training gets
underway
A
total of 150 trekking guides were trained at Nepal Academy of Tourism and
Hotel Management (NATHM). The six-week long training that began 16 January
2001 involved both practical as well theoretical training. As per NATHM, the
training is designed so that following the training the participants will be
rightly equipped to work professionally.
The
guide training has been going on in cooperation between TAAN and NATHM. While
NATHM provides the expertise, TAAN has been screening and selecting the right
participants for the training from TAAN member agencies.
What
is Lhosar?
Lhosar
means New Year. There are many ways to celebrate Lhosar the New Year festival.
And the celebration has been going on in many countries, mainly in Asia.
Likewise in Nepal too Lhosar is celebrated on different time frames and among
many ethnic communities.
This
year 2128 is known as the year of the Iron Snake. Among the Sherpas it is know
known as Ghyalu Lhosar, the Royal New Year. The happy celebration lasts for
fifteen days beginning from the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth month of
Sherpa Calendar (that follows the lunar calendar).
All
the traditional activities are followed and made in this two-week time. Those
include, paying visit to sacred places for prayers and to put prayer flags
(which is believed to carry the prayers of living beings to heaven), visiting
elders for blessings, exchanging best wishes among families, friends and
neighbors until the first full moon of the new month.
NEW MEMBERS in TAAN
General Member
1.
Apex Trekking Pvt. Ltd
2.
Apollo Excursions Pvt. Ltd.
3.
Barunche Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
4. Different Treks Service Pvt. Ltd.
5. Galaxy Trekking & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
6. Himaland Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
7. Himalayan Society Pvt. Ltd.
8. Lal Man Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
9. Lama Parivar Himalayan Trek Pvt. Ltd.
10. Manakamana Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
11.
Nepal Myths & Mountain Trails Pvt. Ltd.
12.
Nilgiri Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
13.
Om-Mane Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
14.
San Sui Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
15.
Seino Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
16.
Sherpa Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
17.
Snowy Mountain Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
18.
Tamang Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
19.
Wonder World Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Associate
Member
1.
Surbe Nepal Travel and Tour Operator Pvt. Ltd.
2.
Yeti Airlines
Lhosar
Dinner Ball
'Lho'
means year while Lhosar together denotes the end of the Tibetan calendar. To
mark the auspicious arrival of the New Year Trekking Agents Association of
Nepal (TAAN) has been organizing Lhosar Dinner Ball on an annual basis.
The
Ball, so to say, is a cultural extravaganza where prominent and popular Nepali
artistes perform. Since a few years the famous MaHa duo has been a regular
performer at the Ball. This year too they are putting up their humor-satire
skit at the Dinner Ball to be held on 23 February 2001 at Regency Ballroom,
Hyatt Regency.
Special
General Meeting of TAAN
Trekking
Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) held a Special General Meeting at Hotel
Gangjong, Lazimpat on 7 December 2000. The special meeting was held keeping in
view the impasse created after the hotel workers and hotel owners were unable
to find an amicable solution to the problem and had reached a deadlock over
the issue of ten percent service charge.
The
Executive Committee highlighted the TAAN General Members on the recent
development and the discouraging probability of both the hotel workers and
hotel owners going on strike. After extensive exchange of views and opinions,
the Special General Meeting eventually granted mandate to the Executive
Committee to support the cause of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) keeping in
mind the welfare of TAAN and its members.
TOURISM NEWS
Mountaineering heroes decorated
Eleven
times Mt. Everest summitter world record holder Appa Sherpa, ten times Mt.
Everest summitter and speed climb world record holder Babu Chhiri Sherpa,
first Nepali woman to conquer Mt. Everest Lakpa Sherpa and first Nepali woman
to summit the tallest peak from the northern face Pema Dolma were decorated
with Prabal Prasiddha Gorkha Dakshin Bahu on the auspicious 56th Birthday
Celebration of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
NTB
still without Board Members
Nepal
Tourism Board (NTB), formed three years ago for the enhancement of tourism
trade at national and international level, is still without its board members.
The Committee responsible to recommend the names of the board members has
already fulfilled its duty. The three-member recommendation committee
comprised of Mr. Bhola Bikram Thapa, President, Nepal Association of Travel
Agents (NATA), Mr. Narendra Bajracharya, President, Hotel Association of Nepal
(HAN) and Mr. Kumar Poudel, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and
Civil Aviation. However, even after months of recommendation the government is
yet to finalize on the list of names.
The
committee had submitted eight names. That included Mr. Rajendra Bantawa,
President, Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), Mr. Narendra Bhatta,
First Vice President, Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA), Mr. Ravi
Poudel, Mr Yogendra Shakya, former President, HAN, Mr. Shyam Bahadur Pandey,
former President, HAN, Mr. Gautam Das Shrestha, former President, HAN, Mr.
Kali Bahadur Adhikari and Mr. Tek Chandra Pokhrel, former President, NMA. The
government has to choose five from the eight names forwarded by the
recommendation committee.
The
delay in the nomination of NTB Board members has raised concern in the travel
and tourism trade. That has been reported in the media too. However, the board
members are yet to be nominated. The outgoing Board comprised of Mr. Basanta
Mishra, Mr. Kishor Pandey, Mr. R. R. Pandey, Mr. Kali Bahadur Adhikari and Mr.
Ang Tsering Sherpa.
President
Bantawa nominated
TAAN
President Mr. Rajendra Bantawa has been nominated as one of the members of the
Commerce and Industry Sub Committee under the coordination of Mr. Pradip Kumar
Shrestha, President FNCCI. This is the first time that TAAN is being
represented in such committee. The Sub Committee functions under Business
Consultative Group (BCG) and is chaired by Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister Girija
Prasad Koirala.
TAAN
celebrates World Tourism Day
Trekking
Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) welcomed the first ten tourists to arrive
in Nepal on 27 September 2000, World Tourism Day. TAAN team led by First Vice
President Mr. Ang Jangbu Sherpa had reached Tribhuvan International Airport on
the day to greet the first arriving tourists to reach Nepal by air. The
tourists were welcomed with souvenirs and gifts. They were also given copies
of TAAN Newsletter and TAAN Member Directory.
Mr.
Dipak Dhamala, General Secretary, Office Secretary Mr. Sagun Lawoti and Office
Assistant Mr. Devendra Dongol too were on hands to welcome the visitors. The
TAAN team later participated in the World Tourism Day procession that went
around different parts of the capital.
TAAN meets CTTB
It
needs no introduction as to how integrated and deep-rooted Nepal-China
friendly relation has been. The neighbors separated by the mighty Himalayas
not only share the majestic mountains but also closely interwoven historical,
religious and social relations.
A
high level delegation from China Tibet Tourism Board (CTTB) that reached
Kathmandu on 23 December 2000, in itself is a fine example of the cordial
relations shared at the people-to-people level. The delegation led by Mr. Zha
Nuo, Deputy Director of CTTB during the visit met Trekking Agents Associaiton
of Nepal (TAAN) officials. The TAAN side led by Mr. Dipak Dhamala, General
Secretary, TAAN were on hands to welcome the Chines team. During the meeting
matters relating to mutual cooperation towards the growth of tourism in the
regions were discussed. During which the CTTB team assured that it would do
its best to facilitate Nepali agents to operate Tibet tour smoothly. The
Chinese delegation, which had arrived on Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA)
also, met with other tourism related associations.
Ten
percent Service Charge
Ligal
Commission submits report
It
needs no reminder the impasse reached after the hotel workers and hotel owners
were at loggerheads after the former demanded of ten percent service charger.
It not only had its implication on the hotel industry but also did affect
other spheres of tourism industry. Not to forget, nation's economy and image.
Trekking
Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), as a member of Industrial Relation
Committee played an effective role towards overcoming the deadlock and finding
an amicable solution. Other members of the Committee include Federation of
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA),
Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), PATA
Nepal Chapter, Nepal Freight Forwarders Association (NEFFA), Nepal Association
of Rafting Agents (NARA), Tourists Guide Association of Nepal (TURGAN), Nepal
Association of Travel Operators (NATO), Restaurant and Bar Association of
Nepal (REBAN), Nepal Entrepreneurs Association of Tourism (NEAT), Nepal
Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Handicraft Association of Nepal, Nepal Incentive
and Convention Association (NICA) and Nepal Bankers Association (NBA).
After
continued efforts put in, the disadvantageous circumstance was put off. And to
find a long-lasting solution to the problem a Committee under Mr. Prithvi Raj
Ligal, Vice Chairman—National Planning Commission
(NPC) was formed. The Ligal Committee has already submitted its report
and recommendation.
TAAN
in protest rally
Trekking
Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) joined hands with other tourism related
associations to protest the incongruous tourism policy and indifferent
attitude of His Majesty's government towards the tourism industry.
The
20 October 2000 held protest rally, besides TAAN, was participated by Nepal
Association of Travel Agents (NATA), Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), Hotel
Association of Nepal (HAN), PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Freight Forwarders
Association (NEFFA), Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA), Tourists
Guide Association of Nepal (TURGAN), Nepal Association of Travel Operators
(NATO), Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN) and Nepal
Entrepreneurs Association of Tourism (NEAT). About 150 vehicles, holding
slogans and demands, participated in the silent protest rally that cover the
major commercial and official hub of the town.
Earlier
on, TAAN had joined hands with other tourism-related associations to protest
the sorry state of the garbage management in the capital. The capital was
literally stinking as garbage that had piled up in heaps was left unattended
for days. That was the not only repulsive but also a health hazard. And in no
way was it appropriate to play host to the tourists in such unfortunate
condition.
TAAN
swings bat
Trekking
Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) participated in the Super Six Birthday Cup
organized by Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA) in joint coordination
with Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on the auspicious 56th Birthday
Celebration of His Majesty's King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
A
total of eleven teams had contested in the tournament held at T.U. Kirtipur
Ground on 6 and 7 January 2001. Indian Embassy, one the entrants however,
earlier on withdrew a day before the tourney took off.
