Annapurna I received global recognition at International Mountain Tourism Conference

KATHMANDU, Sep 30:Nepal’s Annapurna I has been honored as a "World Famous Tourism Mountain" at the International Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference held in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province, China. 

The International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), a global network of over 199 organizations from 38 countries dedicated to sustainable tourism, awarded this prestigious recognition, acknowledging Annapurna I’s natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural importance.

Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) accepted the award on behalf of the organization in a ceremony on Friday morning. NATTA, which represents over 1,100 members across Nepal’s tourism sector, plays a vital role in advancing professionalism and sustainable tourism development in the country.

This award, presented under the "Natural Orientation" category, celebrates Annapurna I as a global destination for trekkers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts.  Standing at 8,091 meters, the mountain is revered for its breathtaking landscapes and challenging routes. The IMTA conference, themed "Tourism and Peace," welcomed over 400 participants from 38 countries and highlighted international cooperation in mountain tourism development. Mr. Thapaliya expressed his gratitude, stating, “This recognition confirms Nepal’s leading role in mountain tourism. It is a tribute to Annapurna I’s global importance and our commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices. We extend heartfelt thanks to IMTA’s selection committee and its personnel, including Mr. Zhiheng Zhang, Mr. Liu, and Mr. Deng Shijie, for their support.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of NATTA Board Members and Secretariat, particularly Secretary General Yubika Bhandari, who led the application process for Annapurna I's certification. Special thanks were extended to Rajendra Lama, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) member, and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) executive, for his key consultations. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of NTB, provided the necessary authority for NATTA’s submission, while past president Achyut Guragain encouraged the initiative.

Annapurna I's recognition goes beyond its natural grandeur; it also highlights Nepal’s conservation efforts through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the country’s largest protected area, which promotes a balance between environmental preservation and local socio-economic development.

NATTA remains dedicated to advocating for responsible tourism in Nepal, working closely with local stakeholders, the NTB, and international partners to promote sustainable growth in the Annapurna region and beyond. This achievement emphasizes the importance of regional and global partnerships in tourism development. NATTA is committed to further collaboration with IMTA and its global members to showcase Nepal’s rich cultural and natural heritage.