Nepal's Tourism Promotion takes off as Nepal becomes a New Republic

Minneapolis, MN (June 2008) - As Nepal begins one of the most important political changes in its recent history, the Nepal Tourism Board is visiting key tourism markets to encourage travelers to come visit this new republic. After the successful completion of the Constituent Assembly Election in April 2008 followed by the announcement of Republic in May, a fresh mandate was put forth from the people for peace and stability in the country.

             Coming on the heels of monumental changes in the country, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a National Tourism Organization driven by Nepal's private sector tourism industry is hitting the road on a promotional blitz of the Himalayan nation. In USA, the team will promote travel to Nepal among US media, travel agents and tour operators in Los Angeles (June 20), San Francisco (June 23), Denver (June  24), Washington DC (June 26) and New York (June 27). The team comprising of eight Nepalese private tourism companies led by NTB will be looking to capitalize on the popularity of Nepal as the premier adventure destination.  The mission is being supported and assisted by the Embassy of Nepal

             NTB, under its brand campaign "Naturally Nepal - Once Is Not Enough" has been focusing on the US market with various once-in-a-life time adventure packages. The drive of the new tourism brand is to reinvent Nepal's diversity, uniqueness and cultural heritage while keeping a strong focus on sustainability and environmental tourism efforts. Nepal's new tourism branding is all about sharing the sense of Nepal's warm hospitality, friendly culture, and deep history. Themes that will be featured in the new brand campaign will be extreme and soft-adventure activities, Nepal's colorful culture, meditation; festivals and much more.

            The year 2007 has shown substantial growth of 27.1% in the number of tourists visiting Nepal as compared to 2006. In 2007, tourist arrivals from USA increased by 45.5% compared to 2006. The 1st quarter of 2008 has also registered a 32 % growth of US tourist arrivals. Nepal has good air connectivity to US via Pacific and Atlantic through a number of airlines like Silk Air/Singapore Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Dragon Air, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Etihad Airways,   Air Arabia, Jet Airways, Indian Airlines etc.

             If you are a travel agent, tour operator or a member of the media, and you wish to attend one of our events, please contact [email protected] or call us at 952-914-6701. For more information on Travel to Nepal please visit: www.welcomenepal.com.   

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 Naturally Nepal !

            Nepal, a world renowned tourist destination located between India and China, has an astonishing diversity of tourist attractions in spite of its small geographical area. From the highest snow-capped mountain in the world to the thickest jungles in South Asia (where tigers and rhinos roam freely), from rich bio-diversity to exotic cultures, from spiritualism and meditation to the business of its centuries old market places, Nepal never ceases to amaze all those who visits and kindle new interest amongst the tourists to find new vistas in Nepal.

            The Kathmandu Valley presents a microcosm of Nepal's rich cultural past and abounds in breathtaking architectural wealth with 7 UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites within a radius of 20 kilometers. These are: Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath and Changunarayan. The picturesque town of Pokhara is the scenic gateway to adventures in the Annapurna Mountains. Chitwan, another tourism hotspot is a wildlife safari experience to rival the best available elsewhere in the world but, closer home in Asia! Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha is a must visit destination of every Buddhist.

            Adventure and Eco-tourism has deep roots in Nepal. While trekking, mountaineering, rafting, bungee jumping and big game watching have long been popular, an entire range of other exiting possibilities have been introduced and popularized in recent years. Mountain Biking, Fishing, Rock Climbing, Ultra Light Aircraft, Boating, Pony Treks, Canoeing - the list is endless.

            The Nepal's Himalayas are crowned with eight of the world's 14 highest mountains including the jewel in the crown, Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha), as it is popularly known, standing tallest at 8,848m, the highest point on earth. Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Daman, Palpa, Ilam some of the hill stations, offers a good vantage point for viewing the mountains including the Mt. Everest on a sunny and clear day. A one-hour Mountain flight from Kathmandu also offers spectacular views of the Himalayan Range. Festivals are an integral part of Nepalese life that draws out tremendous local participation. Festivals also offer visitors a valuable opportunity not only of having fun but also gaining deeper insight into various aspects of Nepalese life and culture.

            Recently, Nepal successfully celebrated the First International Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) Day to commemorate the first ascent of the mighty peak by Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Late Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Similarly, just over a month ago, Nepal also celebrated the 2552nd birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, Nepal's most famous son of soil with elaborate fanfare.

            Cuisine is another attraction of Nepal. Dal Bhat Tarkari Achar or Rice, Lentil Soup Green Vegetables and Pickle cooked with exotic Himalayan Spices are the staple diet of the Nepalese. However, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and other tourist areas offer an incredible selection of international food too.

            Whether one is on vacation, business, leisure or adventure, Nepal is for everyone.