PATA Adventure Travel Mart complete in Bhutan

PATA in Bhutan

PATA Adventure Travel Mart complete in Bhutan

February 9, 2015, Nepal’s tourism products showcased in PATA Adventure Travel Mart in Bhutan
Showcasing tourism attractions with a definite brand image of Nepal as
Adventure Capital of the world, Nepal Tourism Board along with fifteen
private companies participated in PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible
Tourism Conference and Mart in Thimpu, Bhutan, from February 4 to 7, 2015.
The conference not only deliberated on various issues pertaining adventure
tourism but also highlighted travelers’ preference and latest updates on
global tourism trend in the Asia Pacific region.

While visiting Nepal stall during the mart, Prime Minister of Bhutan
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay showed keen interest in tourism trend of Nepal
and expressed, “we should work together for the mutual benefits of both the
countries”.

Nepal had the largest number of participants in the mart and had the
opportunity to network with global buyers from Europe, US, Australia,
Russia, Thailand and India. Interest shown could immediately be cashed
because of growing flight connectivity in the region. Nepal being the
leader of adventure products and activities in the world made a dauntless
presence in the conference and mart and showcased the inexhaustible
treasures in the international forum.

Pata. Pata jpg

“Russia-Nepal Tourism Exchange” Interaction Program was organized by PATA Nepal Chapter in partnership with NTB

His Excellency Dr. Sergey Vasilievich Velichkin, The Russian Ambassador to Nepal graced the event and it was attended by 100 participants from the travel and trade fraternity, tourism colleges and media houses. Presidents and General Secretaries from all major Tourism Associations were present and a few also shared their thoughts and knowledge on the Russian Market. Participants were given the opportunity to put forward their query and feedback to the team organizing the interaction program at the end of the event which gave the feeling of inclusion and was a two way interaction program appreciated by all.

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Mr. Suman Pandey- Chairman PATA Nepal Chapter gave an insight on PATA as an international association of Tourism with Private- Public partnership approach and acting as a Catalyst of the responsible development of Tourism in Asia and the Pacific Region. Today, PATA has 42 chapters active in the world that includes memberships from governments, tourism boards, authorities, airlines, hospitality, travel industry, media and others. PATA builds Business for members, PATA helps in building your Brand, PATA helps building People through trainings, PATA brings Network of industry people to your benefit and PATA provides valuable Insights, forecasts and analysis to help members take better business decisions. PATA involves in sales missions, trade shows, familiarization trips, new market exploration. He stated that “as of my experience with Russian People, I remember that they are the strongest climbers. I had the privilege to work with Russian climbers in1988 when they traversed all four peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga with the team of 40 climbers making almost 43 successful summit attempts. After this, Russian climbers haven’t left any unclimbed or extra challenging ridge or face of high mountains in the Himalayas”.

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Mr. Ang Chhiring Sherpa, President of Nepal Mountaineering Association- NMA spoke further that the Russian veteran mountaineers are very enthusiastic since the beginning. Nepal has opened its peaks to westerners in 1949 and the most popular activity has always been mountaineering. Since, the biggest historical event on 4th May 1982 with 11 Russian people climbing Mt. Everest, the desire to climb Everest grew even more and lured more westerners. It is a dream of every mountaineer to scale the highest mountain in the world. Mr. Sherpa expressed that 10,200 meters long exotic drama exists in Nepal which includes 16 peaks above 8,000 meters. Mt. Everest has put Nepal as the 12th ultimate desired destinations in the world.

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Mr Ashok Pokharel, President of Nepal Association of Tour Operators-NATO put forward his views as a country with 140 million people; Russia is the 9th largest market in the market and is the top 5 performers worldwide anticipated till 2017. As per Mr. Pokharel, from January to August 2013 a drop of 6 percent in Russian tourist was recorded in Nepal. So, he raised a general question that we need to find out if we are the suitable market for Russia or are we catering to the right people. Russians are good consumers in terms of food, drinks and shopping and above all a safe market to approach making them a high yield market.

Mr Aditya Baral, Senior Director of Nepal Tourism Board- NTB congratulated the PATA Nepal Chapter team for this interaction program wherein he thanked the active commitment to lead the Nepal team to MITT 2014 this year as NTB was looking at cancelling the event from their end. He further urged the stake holders to come forward with logic proposals targeting markets that are less explored or upcoming markets that Nepal can look at and he will do all he can to provide the necessary support from NTB. Russia he said, has immense prospects, but we have been losing market due to no direct flights connecting the two countries.

His Excellency Dr. Sergey Vasilievich Velichkin, Russian Ambassador to Nepal assured that he is very keen in partnering for promoting tourism in Russia. It is about the friendship and trust and ties and values in this crucial time. He further stated that Russia takes Nepal as an important partner. His Excellency stated that a successful promotion has already been made in marketing Nepal as a tourism destination but we need to take further more than that. It needs more effort than now to bring the visible changes. As for Aeroflot, he had made a lot of effort to resume the flight but because of the low business possibility he could not succeed.

His Excellency gave an example of Egypt and Turkey on how these countries took a u turn on increasing number of tourists in their country by aggressive marketing and Nepal too should do the same. His Excellency praised PATA Nepal Chapter on taking the lead for MITT2014 and gave his word on getting good buyers to the stall from Russian Chamber of Trade and Industry.

Passport in Nepali Embassy.

Carelessness of neplease embassy at washington dc Passport Renew

03 FEB , KATHMANDU – Passport blues, part II.  Seven months ago, I applied to renew my passport in Nepali Embassy. Nowadays, I’m trying to follow-up in Nepal to check on the progress, but the Foreign Ministry staff in Kathmandu is saying they cannot locate my application. Now, they are asking me to send the confirmation number. Any ideas on how I can get that? As always, called/emailed the Embassy in DC with no response. They didn’t send a confirmation number and a receipt after receiving my application.
NTB

CMT 2015 Fair Completed in German.

Nepal’s participation in CMT(Caravan, Motor, and Tourism Fair) 2015, the
world’s largest public trade fair for tourism and leisure, held from
17-25, January 2015 at Messe Stuttgart in Germany completed successfully.
The fair received approx. 300,000, largest ever, general and trade visitors.

The fair was fairly appropriate platform for the visitors to explore their
next dream holiday attractions and activities. Around 100 countries, many
more regions, cities, nature, adventure, action, caravans, equipment
companies were offering their best value products and services. Visitors
had enjoyed and experienced a holiday mood with international folklore,
culinary delights and entertaining shows. Down the line of its life of 75
years, CMT has proven its credibility as a platform where visitors want to
explore and experience on their holiday buying the best ideas and offers.

Nepal stand, located at Hall4, B 11, was the center stage among the
visitors. Seven renowned and well established Travel/Tour/Trekking
agencies, participated with the support and cooperation of Nepal Tourism
Board and Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They were
encouraged with the business contacts they made during this show. Most of
the visitors had inquired about trekking, expedition, rafting, biking,
other adventure activities, cultural attractions, and national parks.
Visitors shared their deep love and genuine interest to visit Nepal and
experience its varied attractions soon ahead. Deepak R Joshi, Asst.
Manager-in charge had answered the queries raised by the general visitors,
tourism professionals, and media.

Nepal’s participation was jointly organized by Nepal Tourism Board and
Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The fair was also observed
by the Secretary of Ministry of Commerce and Supply Mr. Narayan Malego,
Joint Secretary of Ministry of Culttre, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Mr.
Umakanta Parajuli, and the president of NGCCI Mr. Senon D Lama.

The Power (English version)

Kathmandu-  Nepalese government registered online network thepowernews has been released in the English version. Within a short time the power news has been very popular among national and international Nepali society. President and Executive Editor in chief Mr. Deepak Neupane has said “Finally, we are in English version, its glad to use, Now we can share our news to other English society”.  “ It’s a Great news for us because now we are in another step of journalism. Founder director and Author, New York resident Mr. Rajan Thapaliya, said, “This is our turning point in Nepalise Media. Now  time to go one step ahead”

PK in super exclusive club.

New York  – The most awaited Bollywood movie PK became top gross movie ever. Aamir Khan Starar Pk is directed by Raj Kumar Hirani. After the huge success of 3 idiots Aamir Khan and Raj Kumar Hirani is back together. PK earned more than $180 Coror in the first week.
First week Dhhom 3 earned 179 Crore in one week, but the PK earned 184 Crore in one week. PK has been highest-grossing Indian film of all time.

Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma in lead roles, with Sushant Singh Rajput, Boman Irani, Saurabh Shukla, and Sanjay Dutt in supporting roles. PK tells the story of an alien who comes to Earth on a research mission. The Movie is based on family drama and religious superstition.
Once again Aamir proved himself, he is one of the most successful superstar.

One Point Films “Simple Rules”

The second major project by One Point Films “Simple Rules” is more than a movie. It is an attempt by young artists to bring the picture of the world they live in to the canvas of digital age. It’s about life, love and day to day problems that all of us go through. It’s about young folks trying to learn and adapt to the newer circumstances with the adulthood catching up.
The character played by RJ Si is a typical youngster moving on in life amid the life’s challenges. He is depicted as learning, growing and doing things as time passes by. The financial challenges that young Americans born in a middle class family is also represented by the character played by RJ Si.
Nina is a girl who has abandoned her most cherished dreams, but comes across another dreamer RJ Si who changes her life forever. The story is about typical American teenager. The major thing about “Simple Rules” is that it is being shot despite the lack of resources and finances needed to create movies in the present times. More than the casting and the crew, the efforts directed by One Point Films and the team are exemplary.
RJ Si of One Point Films has networked with plenty of artists and companies of New York in bringing together different talents and youths to develop this movie. “Simple Rules” has been shot mostly around New York and in Manhattan area.
Besides, the movie depicts the bigger problem America is facing with frauds in different areas of the society. Despite the fact that RJ Si in the film helps Nina get connected with the agencies and modeling companies, they turn out to be people who betray the trust. The friendship between Nina and RJ Si deteriorates once this happened although unintentionally. Two people are that met with common dream are separated by the fraud agents of the society.
Overall, the film has a great story behind it and is easy for youngsters to work through. One Point Films is really expecting to soar up with the release of “Simple Rules” innext couple of weeks.

PEOPLE’S POWER

A man can never be good of anything unless he gives us all the selfishness and begins to think about serving the God that sent him and the humanity. We must purify ourselves from the bottom of our heart before we begin exercising our power. Otherwise, it will destroy ourselves and hurt others.

Today Nepalese are all over the world like Jews after the World War II. Nepalese lead major industries in many countries. Only time will tell whether that is good or bad, but this is a time when Nepal is looking for a strong leader. Many of the citizens inside and outside are looking up to America, India or China as a role model for future Nepal. Even many Nepalese politicians are trying their best to imitate Indian or American politicians. Besides, several Nepalese journalists outside America are trying to spread the language of federalism in Nepal.

Whatever be the future political system in Nepal, the duty of statesmanship is the welfare and protection of its citizens. Major problem of Nepalese politics is that politicians have forgotten this mission. Politics is not meant for the fulfillment of selfish aims and greed, but its sole purpose is selfless service. Unless we have at least one person who can stand beyond his personal motives and act for the sake of humanity, none of the political systems are going to work in Nepal.

Rather than trying to copy the political system of Washington, Gandhi or Lenin, Nepalese political might consider their own history. Our recent history had greatest politician of all times, Thomas Jefferson, who played a very important role in the contemporary geopolitics. Thomas Jefferson is one of the most underrated presidents ever. Thomas Jefferson was a hero, visionary, revolutionary thinker, as well as architect and all around genius. Jefferson also invented the moldboard plow, which was a great improvement on the already standard farming plow; the wheel cipher, and developed his own design on the concept of the spherical sundial.

An ancient examples of democracy, Lord Krishna, who played a very important role in the contemporary geopolitics and orchestrated Mahabharata war. Krishna’s politics was one of absolute performance of duty without expecting anything. Krishna was not of this world and he didn’t want anything on Earth, neither Kingdom nor power or pleasure. He fought thousands of battles, dethroned/killed one King and installed another, but he never wanted to be a King himself. Even after Mahabharata war, he installed Yudhistira as the King of the world who was the epitome of piety and virtue.

Such leadership is the need of current Nepal and the whole world. Today, leaders in Nepal and elsewhere are busy in increasing their power and securing more of wealth/pleasure. That’s what Civil war killed thousands of people for. Such politics, never last long. It is a game that is defeated from the start, but people still keep playing it.

We must understand that we do not remain on earth forever and whatever we have with us is given only for a short duration. We are supposed to make use of what we have to serve God and for the benefit of humanity. Politics is a weapon where huge changes can be brought about not only in a country but in the entire world.
On the other hand, it is very stupid on the part of Nepalese citizens to hand the power and treasury to untested leaders full of lust, anger and greed. Persons full of hypocrisy and egotism can never serve the humanity. They are busy trying to fulfill their own bellies, however much they talk about the welfare of people. If Nepalese citizens make the same mistakes again, they deserve to be cheated, used and dumped again.

Politicians need to understand that selfishness on their part is against their own self-interest. They need to find out how they can drop their own agendas and devote themselves in serving in all possible ways. Only true service will cleanse and purify us from all our karmas. There is no other way for those involved in politics. Pursuit of power and pleasure is the path of destruction. It destroys life and peace of mind. Only that prospers that is gotten by honesty and service. Great American actor Groucho Marx says, Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies. While it has been predicted since antiquities in the scriptures that the situation of the world will be worse in the coming days.

In family, in society, in the country and in the world only a leadership by example is going to be effective in coming days. We cannot expect our associates to be honest when we – ourselves are dishonest. This is the major problem in Nepalese politics today. Trying to lead others in your direction without examining yourself is very stupid. Personally, I always remember quotes of Mahatma Gandhi, He said about the seven deadly sins, Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience. Science without humanity. Knowledge without character. Politics without principle, Commerce without morality. Worship without sacrifice.”

People’s Power by Rajan Thapaliya rajanthapaliya@gmail.com