PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in Thailand, Nepal
Airlines, PATA HQ and PATA Thailand Chapter, Thai Travel Agents Association
(TTAA), SS Group Thailand, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Jawalakhel
Group of Industries (JGI) organized its first post-pandemic tourism promotion event
overseas in Thailand; taking a delegation of 20 Tourism Professionals comprising
PATA Nepal Chapter Executives and Members to participate in the 6th PATA
Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF), being held in Songkhla, Thailand from August
2nd to 4th, 2022.
Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, during his welcome remarks, requested all the tourism
stakeholders in the public and private sectors to come together to overcome the
hardships created by the global pandemic, and promote tourism exchange between
the two friendly nations, Nepal and Thailand.
He expressed his belief that this Sales Mission in Bangkok has been a timely and
productive initiative to support the post-pandemic tourism recovery; promoting the
newly built Gautam Buddha Int'l Airport and its new avenues and opportunities for
sustainable tourism development.
Ms. Ben Montgomery, Chairperson of PATA Thailand Chapter, extended her
welcome remarks and best wishes for Nepal’s tourism recovery initiatives.
Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, Director General of CNI, speaking as a Keynote Speaker
about Destination Nepal, shared the in-depth insights about latest updates and the
alluring offerings of Nepal as a Lifetime Experience destination. He also shared his
expert thoughts on how Thai Travel Agents can benefit connecting with Nepal.
Mr. Shivek Sachdev – Vice President of Thai Travel Agents Association, appreciated
sustainable and environment-friendly initiatives of Nepal and urged his Thai tourism
fraternity to extend their support for Nepal's tourism promotion.
Mr. Hom Prasad Parajuli, Country Manager of Nepal Airlines in Thailand, presented
about the easy connectivity, national flag carrier’s promotional fare, and special
facilitations to Thai Agents.
Mr. Bikram Pandey, Goodwill Ambassador of Lumbini Development Trust, presented
about "Connecting Thailand-Nepal through Buddhist Tourism" highlighting the untold
journey of Lord Buddha and the prospects of tourism development and touristic
products or activities being developed around Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord
Buddha.

Speaking amidst the august gathering, PATA CEO Ms. Liz Ortiguera, highlighted the
history and importance for global fraternity of PATA, appreciating the pro-activeness
of PATA Nepal Chapter in promotion of Nepal's tourism through collaboration
between PATA Chapters in the region. PATA CEO Ms. Liz expressed happiness for
being able to make her first physical participation for the post-pandemic tourism
promotion and assured to leverage PATA's resources and expertise to help boost
the recovery of destinations including Nepal and PATA member organizations the
world over.
Chief Guest of the program, His Excellency Ambassador of Nepal to the Kingdom of
Thailand, Mr. Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, highlighted the attractions of Nepal’s tourism
and encouraged the Thai Travel Agents and Visitors by assuring the full support of
Nepal embassy for visa issuance, necessary information and other cooperation with
regard to their travelling to Nepal.
Mr. Narendra Deo Bhatta, Executive Committee Member of PATA Nepal, extended
his closing remarks with a vote of thanks to all the supporting organizations and all
present guests and participants from Nepal and Thailand.