PATA Nepal Unveils New Executive Team and Vision for Tourism 2.0

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The 45th Annual General Meeting of the PATA Nepal Chapter was successfully held on June 6, 2024, at Park Village Resort, emphasizing the theme “Nepal Tourism 2.0: Charting the Future Course.” At this gathering, a new Executive Committee was unanimously elected, with Mr. Khem Raj Lakai, CEO of the Global Academy of Tourism & Hospitality Education (GATE), assuming the role of Chairman. He takes over from Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, who held the position since December 18, 2019, and now serves on the Executive Committee as the Immediate Past Chairman.

Upon his appointment, Mr. Khem Lakai expressed, “I am deeply honored and humbled by this
opportunity. It is with profound gratitude and a great sense of responsibility that I step into the role of
chairman of PATA. Being entrusted with the legacy of this esteemed institution is a privilege. My
association with PATA spans several years, be it as a board of trustee of the PATA Foundation, or
PATA HQ elected Board member, including extensive service within the PATA Nepal Chapter. I am
delighted to announce that the PATA Nepal Chapter is celebrating its 49th anniversary. I want to
honor the memory of our founding father, the late Mr. Prabahakar SJB Rana, who brought this
wonderful organization to Nepal and continuously nurtured by amazing leaders of our industry. His
vision of connecting Nepal to the world now rests on our shoulders. Unity is crucial for Nepal in all
spectrum of professions, and we cannot afford to delay. Once united, we can transform the narrative
of our beautiful nation and inspire the world. On behalf of the new executive committee, I pledge to
the entire tourism community to join forces and realize our shared dream through tourism.”

During its 45th Annual General Meeting held on June 6, 2024, at the Park Village Resort, the PATA Nepal Chapter elected a fresh Executive Committee. Leading this new team, Mr. Narendra Dev Bhatta, Managing Director of Heritage Tours & Travel, was elected as General Secretary, and Ms. Reetal Rana, Managing Director of Mid Valley International College, was appointed Honorary Treasurer. The committee also welcomed Ms. Lakhpa Phuti Sherpa, founder of Luxury DMC Travel, and several other distinguished members including Mr. Rupesh Joshi of Buddha Air, Mr. Binod Adhikari of Aarya Village Travels, Mr. Sunil Bahadur Bhattrai from Busy Bee Cafe, Mr. Himmat Puri of Destinago Tours & Travel, Sarita Lama from Off The Wall Trekking, and Ms. Tenzing Peyang Lama of Hotel Lhasa International (Dusit Princess Kathmandu). Additionally, the chapter elected four Proxy Members and acknowledged four Ex officio members from key tourism and aviation authorities.

In a special evening ceremony, the chapter awarded several individuals for their contributions to the tourism and hospitality sectors. Ms. Ambica Shrestha of Dwarika’s Hotels & Resorts and Mr. Shyam Bahadur Pandey of Hotel Shangrila received the “PATA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.” Mr. Lakpa Sonam Sherpa of the Yeti Group was honored with the “PATA Tourism Trailblazer Award 2024,” and Mr. Bharat Basnet of Explore Nepal earned the “PATA Personality of the Year 2024” Award. Mr. Narendra Deo Bhatta was also recognized with the “PATA Special Contribution Award 2024” for his exceptional support and legal guidance.

The event also featured keynotes and awards focusing on meaningful tourism, with contributions recognized from various sectors of the industry.