Nepal Hospitality Day 2024 Unveiled by HAN

 

KATHMANDU, Jan 17:This Tuesday, on its 58th anniversary, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) conducted the first Nepal Hospitality Day 2024. The event brought together industry leaders, government representatives, and distinguished guests for an evening that blended cultural richness with culinary delights.

The program hosted President Ram Chandra Poudel as the chief guest, who highlighted the pivotal role of the hotel industry as the backbone of Nepal's economy. He emphasized 'Atithi Devo Bhava,' symbolizing the industry's significance in shaping the nation's international standing. President Poudel envisioned the commercialization of Nepal's natural beauty and traditional diversity, urging collaboration between the private and government sectors. The president emphasized the importance of ensuring basic necessities and promoting ethnic traditional food globally.

Mr. Binayak Shah, President of HAN, took the stage to reflect on the rich history of the Hotel Association Nepal, established 58 years ago. Mr. Shah recognized the positive impact of the tourism sector, with over 10,000 hotels employing more than a million individuals. He addressed challenges such as the disparity in tourist carrying capacity and the actual influx. He appealed for a national policy to address this issue, urging the completion of Tourism Policy 2035 while expressing the successful execution of the special tourism year in 2025. Mr. Shah lamented the classification of hotels as service businesses despite being seen as industries, depriving them of vital resources such as energy and infrastructure. Highlighting the importance of connectivity, he identified the proper functioning of Pokhara and Bhairahawa and the removal of Nepal from the European blacklist as essential needs.

Senior Vice President Prabin B. Panday infused the event with optimism, expressing hope for the promotion and development of the tourism field in Nepal. Panday celebrated hospitality as an integral part of Nepal's culture, emphasizing its deep-rooted presence across diverse ethnic groups. Commending HAN's efforts to showcase ethnic traditional food from all provinces, Panday highlighted environmental concerns and informed the audience about the reduction in the one-time use of plastics. He underscored the importance of creating a comprehensive roadmap for development and hotel operations.

In his closing remarks, Secretary General Sajan Shakya emphasized the importance of tourism for Nepal's growth and prosperity. Shakya viewed the day's celebration as a powerful message, showing the significance of tourism in Nepal. He called upon government agencies to understand the reasons behind the lack of tourist influx, despite the country's abundant natural beauty and untapped potential. Highlighting the employment opportunities inherent in the tourism sector, Shakya made a compelling point by noting that every tourist contributes to the employment of 10 individuals. He expressed that if 3 million tourists are welcomed, it will employ 30 million people, thereby reducing the need for foreign employment. Shakya underscored tourism as an industry that enhances Nepal's international image. Sajan Shakya requested the recognition of Nepal as a tourism-based country, acknowledging the role the industry plays in shaping the nation's identity.

The event witnessed the inauguration of the Nepal Hotel Yearbook, the digital banner for the Nepal Heritage Food Fest 2024, and an e-learning video by President Ram Chandra Poudel. Previous President of HAN were felicitated while the President Poudel. President Poudel received tokens of appreciation along with traditional Palpali Karuwa.

The evening featured a grand dinner showcasing the diverse offerings from the Nepal Heritage Food Fest 2024. From Bara with Tomato Chutney to Spiced Grilled Chicken Meat, each dish served as a flavorful testament to Nepal's gastronomic diversity.