PATA Destination Marketing Conclave concludes

KATHMANDU, Feb 04: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter organized the first-of-its-kind event, the Destination Marketing Conclave (DMC 2023) from 27th to 30th January in Eastern Nepal (Province 1) to explore, promote, discuss and exchange ideas on promoting Province 1 as a promising tourism destination.

With the theme "Strengthening Domestic and Cross-Border Tourism”,  the conclave brought together over 200 delegates comprising leading destination marketing professionals, industry experts, tour operators from Nepal, India and Bangladesh, and top tourism stakeholders to discuss the prospects of promoting, expanding and developing tourism prospects in the province 1.

The four-day event comprised three Days of Destination Experience Trips to Bhedetar, Dhankuta, Dharan, and Barah Kshetra followed by a one-day Conclave on 30th January 2023 at Nepalirika Hotel in Morang, Province 1. Over the course of four days, delegates participated in community tourism experiences, interactive sessions and engaging panel discussions, learning from industry leaders about unleashing the tourism potential and promoting Cross-Border Tourism with Eastern Nepal. province one.The Conclave also offered valuable networking opportunities for attendees, allowing them to build relationships with key players in the industry.

The conclave was inaugurated by the Honorable Chief Minister of Govt. of province 1 Nepal, Mr. Hikmat Kumar Karki. Addressing the Inaugural Session, CM extended thanks to PATA Nepal Chapter for organizing the first destination marketing conclave in province 1 which he believed to be a milestone, paving the foundation for the marketing and promotion of tourism prospects of eastern Nepal. He further emphasized the need of empowering and encouraging private-sector tourism stakeholders for investment and service standardization in the region, assuring that the provincial government will give priority to supporting the tourism development and promotion initiatives. 

The Guest of Honor, the Mayor of Sundar Hariacha Municipality- Mr. Kedar Prasad Guragain, expressed his happiness in hosting the event by PATA Nepal Chapter and extended thanks to PATA Nepal chapter for taking the noble initiative of promoting domestic and cross-border tourism prospects of the province 1.

Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter, welcomed all the distinguished guests and delegates from local government bodies and private sector tourism stakeholders present at the conclave and extended thanks for their warm hospitality, cooperation and support in making the first PATA Destination Marketing Conclave a grand success! He added, "We are thankful to the Honorable Chief Minister and Government of province 1 for the great cooperation and support to the conclave. PATA Nepal Chapter is committed to supporting the growth and development of the travel and tourism industry in Nepal and is dedicated to providing its members with the resources they need to succeed."

"The PATA Destination Marketing Conclave was a noble initiative as per the PATA's public-private partnership spirit and offered a fantastic opportunity for tourism professionals to come together, share knowledge and collaborate on strategies for the future," said PATA Nepal Chapter CEO Suresh Singh Budal.

The DMC 2023 observed the support and collaboration from Local Government (Hosts), including  Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality, Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, Dhankuta Municipality,  Barahakshetra Municipality City, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, and Sundarharaicha Metropolitan City. Similarly, private-sector organizations, including CIMOD (Organizing Partner), PATA Bangladesh Chapter, Nabil Bank (Banking Partner), High Ground Adventure (Adventure Partner), Buddha Air and Nepal Airlines (Airline Partners), Community Homestay Network (Community Tourism Partner), and Manakamana Cable Car (Supporting Partner), and Nepalirika Hotel (Official Hotel and Event Venue) also supported the initiative. 

Other local supporting partners and PATA Nepal member organizations include  Kanyam Kloud, Pathibhara Joblinks, Premier International Education, Gorkha Brewery, Royal Education Foundation, Mout Everest Brewery, State Sports Development Board, ISMT College Biratnagar, IIE Australia, Premier Hotel Lounge and Restaurant, Red Cherry Coffee Beans, Gorakha Hotel, Royal Resort, Hotel In tourists, Aadarsha School of Management, Premier Hotel School, Sunshine School of Tourism & Hotel Management, Dharan International College of Hotel Management, Premier College of Hospitality Management.