Monday, March 31, 2008

Information about mountaineering activities in Nepal

Information about mountaineering activities in Nepal

The mountaineering activities governed by the "Mountaineering Expedition Regulation, 2059 B.S. (2002 A.D.) are being permitted in Nepal as per Section 56 of the Tourism Act, 2035 B.S. (1978 A.D.). Trekkers wishing to trek to Everest Region require to obtain Trekker's Information Management System(TIMS) certificate to be issued by Nepal Tourism Board(NTB) and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal(TAAN) from their designated counters which has been in effect since January 1, 2008. However, they have to pay National Park Fee as usual. If there is any need to brief further about trekking in the area, it will be carried out during the issuance of TIMS by concerned authority.

Eco Everest Expedition 2008

Eco Everest Expedition 2008

The Eco Everest Expedition 2008 is being organised on the occasion of Silver jubilee of ICIMOD with an aim of attracting the attention of the global community to the problems of melting glaciers due to climate change, to the threats posed to local community and infrastructure due to GLOFs and raising the awareness of environment conservation of fragile mountain ecosystem. The specific objectives of the Eco-expedition are: * To draw the world's attention on rapid melting of glaciers by conducting field research and investigations and organising special events in close partnership with relevant stakeholders and working closely with national and international media.* To sensitise the local community in building their capacity for reducing the risks of potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods to the local people, infrastructure and fragile environment in the Everest region. The expedition will depart from Kathmandu on the 6th of April 2008 on a 62 days long campaign in the region. The Eco Everest Expedition will be led by Dawa Steven Sherpa of Nepal who climbed Everest in the Spring of 2007. The expedition will be joined by the famous Japanese climber and alpinist Ken Noguchi in the base camp in the Nepalese side. In addition, Eco Everest Expedition 2008 will draw other internationally renowned Everest summiteers. In tandem with climbing expedition, there will be a scientific expedition consisting of detailed field investigations to study the climate change impacts on the glaciers, glacial lakes and risk posed by potential dangerous lakes. Special events will be organised working closely with national and international media to raise the awareness of climate change impact in the Himalaya. Efforts will be made to involve local organisations and community. Through the expedition it also intends to raise funds to build the capacity of local community for monitoring and early warning of potential GLOFs. Eco Everest Expedition will try and attract other like-minded organisations and individuals including the private sectors for contributions to form a broader coalition in the partnership.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

TREKKERS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

TREKKERS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Are you a trekker?



Nepal, aptly, has been called 'a Trekkers' Paradise'. Its high standing mountains, scenic hills and the luxuriant Terai offers some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. Passing through the diverse culture and nature, trekking in Nepal is a life-time experience which involves a certain degree of physical risks owing to the rugged topography.

With the distinction of Nepal as a trekking destination and its growing charm, a provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has been implemented to control illegal trekking operations and ensure safety and security of the trekkers in general trekking areas through the mechanism of Prompt Information Service as and when required .

The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of accidents and natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has come into force from Jan 01, 2008. Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have started recording trekkers detail and issuing TIMS Card to trekkers.

Where & how to obtain TIMS Card ?

The visiting tourists, who are interested to general trekking areas of Nepal, are required to receive TIMS Card through any one of the following:

Kathmandu (NTB Office, TAAN Office, and Government registered trekking Companies), and
Pokhara (NTB Office, TAAN Office, and Government registered trekking Companies)
Opening Hour/s:

TIMS counter at Government registered trekking Companies will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year,
TIMS counter at TAAN/NTB Office will follow government working hour/days.
To obtain TIMS Card you need copy of Passport and two copies of Passport-size Photographs.

Why is TIMS Necessary?

The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TIMS:

All important details of trekkers and trekking routes shall be maintained on a computerized Database Management System that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers. To help carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents by means of Authentic Information Service . To maintain a record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking area, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, etc. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders:- tourism organizations, Government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institute, etc.
Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned :- trekkers, agencies, field staff, Government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.
To upgrade the service standard and contribute for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development of Nepal.

TIMS REGULATORY PROVISIONS

Every trekkers has to compulsorily obtain a TIMS Card before they enter any of the prescribed trekking regions and routes.
A Free individual trekker (FIT) or organized group trekkers are required to keep TIMS along with them throughout their treks.
TIMS has to be shown to TAAN / NTB authorities, national park check posts, conservation area check posts and police check posts on demand.
Trekkers are required to keep their copies of passports along with them for verification during trekking.
TIMS shall be non-transferable, non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.
TIMS will not be required for:

The expedition members permitted to climb the mountains.
The visitors in the controlled areas permitted by the Department of Immigration.
The foreign guests invited by the Government of Nepal.
The authorities from different diplomatic missions in the country, who is holding official letter/s and traveling own risk .
Visitors on certain mission recommended by the concerned department of the Government.
Foreign Nationals having the residential visa.
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Bhrikutimandapd, Kathmandu
Tel: 00977-1-4256909
Email: info@ntb.org.np


Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Maligaon, Kathmandu
Tel: 00-977-1-442473/4440920
taan@hons.com.np or info@timsnepal.com
www.taan.org.np or www.timsnepal.com

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Pardi, Pokhara
Tel: 00977-61- 535292
Email: pntb@wlink.com.np
Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Pokhara Chapter, pokhara-6, Lakeside
Tel: 00977-61-527033
Email:taanpkr@yahoo.com or taan@fewanet.com.np

NEPAL SOCIAL TREKS AND EXPEDITION
CONTACT NO: +977-1-4701070
http://www.nepalsocialtreks.com/

Nepal's tourism promotion through Travel Banking in Bangladesh

Nepal's tourism promotion through Travel Banking in BangladeshMarch 26, 2008
"Nepal is a beautiful country and we wish to visit Nepal once again… there are so many places to enjoy and experience with this special! ", was the response received by Nepal Tourism Board(NTB) officials during the Consumer Focus Promotion Campaign launched by NTB from 16th to 23rd March 2008 in four major cities of Bangladesh.

The special campaign, the first ever to reach the consumers directly is a joint venture between Nepal tourism Board and Eastern Bank Limited one of the leading consumer oriented banks in Bangladesh.

Acknowledging the growing interest of Bangladeshi outbound travelers in Nepal as the most preferred destination Eastern Bank Ltd has come forward with the idea of promoting special Travel Loans to Nepal. Nepal has a special attraction among the Bangladeshi people because of its close proximity, easy accessibility, affordability and entirely different geophysical structure with its appealing Himalayas as against the sea and beach tourism products of Bangladesh.

A special event of Media, Tour operators and Elites' Meet was organized in Sylhet, Chittagong , Bogra and Dhaka during which NTB official Mrs. Ujjwala Dali Manager, Tourism marketing & Promotion for Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted Nepalese Tourism Attractions as well as briefed about Gratis Visa, special concessions for SAARC nationals etc. Nepal's soft adventure options for youth as well as the potential for MICE and Medical Tourism specially for the corporate sector was also emphasized during the presentation which was received with keen interest by the tour operators.

Mr. Nazeem Choudhury, Head of Marketing for Eastern Bank Limited while explaining the concept of Travel Banking informed the special offer of travel loans to Nepal along with the other discounts for their credit card holders. Under this campaign, Nepal will be promoted as the "Holiday Destination for this year" to its 150,000 card holders through its branches, ATMs, Website, SMS and direct mailers.

Sylhet a growing city, famous for its tea garden, has a high number of people visiting foreign countries. The city is getting a substantial amount as remittance from Bangladeshis residing in UK, USA etc. and is considered as a potential tourism outbound centre. Chittagong the second largest city of Bangladesh, a centre of commerce has lot of international visitors and expatriates along with the growing class of wealthy Bangladeshis. Similarly Bogra is also a flourishing city with developing new corporate houses. It is very well linked with other commercial centers of Baladesh like Rajshahi, Rangour Sherpur etc..

In all the cities the campaign was well received as an innovative idea for tourism promotion by the corporate sector and tour operators. Nepal Tourism Board believes that this consumer focus campaign will bring a very positive impact for Nepalese tourism in coming days.

Prior to the Sales Mission, Nepal Tourism Board also took part in Dhaka Travel Mart from 13-15 March 2008. A total of forty five organizations including National Tourism Organizations especially Nepal, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as Airlines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Travel and Trade bodies, Financial and Educational institutions from twelve different countries took part in the Mart.

The response of Bangladeshi visitors at the stall was highly encouraging from the point of view of their interest in special packages or offers from Nepal side. This definitely established the fact that Bangladeshis are not only aware about Nepal's stable conditions as well as attractive tourism products but also interested in finding out the specific product offer to match their needs.

In line with Nepal's destination brand "Naturally Nepal Once is not enough" many of Bangladeshi had visited Nepal at least three times and wished to visit once again enquiring about places like Pokhara, Daman, Bandipur. Nagarkot and Dhulikhel happened to be the most popular tourist spots amongst Bangladeshis.

Many of the visitors were the ones who had already visited Nepal. Most of the stall visitors talked mainly about Pokhara, Nagarkot, Daman and Bandipur. Few young people also showed interest in Nepal's adventure activities such as Everest base camp trek, rafting and ultra light ride. The information on such activities was thus disseminated in the fair to various tour operators with special focus.

Another promotion of NTB in Bangladesh also received a tremendous response when RC Travel On program featured Nepal in 6 episodes on the popular channel i in the month of February. SMS Quiz Contest on Nepal received total 70000 entries from the Bangladeshi viewers. The two winners of the contest were handed over the prize, sponsored jointly by GMG Airlines and NTB amidst the function at Dhaka. Mr. Erfan Haque, General Manager – Sales announced that the airline has taken initiative to increase their flight frequency from 4 flights to 7 flights a week in response to the growing demand for Dhaka/KTM/Dhaka sector.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

No ban on climbing Himalayas including Everest: MoCTCA

No ban on climbing Himalayas including Everest: MoCTCA

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation(MoCTCA) issuing a press statement on March 18, 2008 denied the claim that it has suspended the mountaineering expedition to Mt. Everest saying that the dissemination of false information quoting the ministry in this issue has drawn the attention of MoCTCA. MoCTCA in its press statement said that the Ministry has not banned climbing expedition on Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks and the policy related to mountaineering expeditions has remained same as previous. Issuing the press statement, Spokesperson of MoCTCA, Joint Secretary Mr. Prem Kumar Rai has requested all media to contact spokesperson of the ministry for the fact before disseminating the information concerning with the Ministry.

Eco Everest Expedition 2008

Eco Everest Expedition 2008

The Eco Everest Expedition 2008 is being organised on the occasion of Silver jubilee of ICIMOD with an aim of attracting the attention of the global community to the problems of melting glaciers due to climate change, to the threats posed to local community and infrastructure due to GLOFs and raising the awareness of environment conservation of fragile mountain ecosystem. The specific objectives of the Eco-expedition are: * To draw the world's attention on rapid melting of glaciers by conducting field research and investigations and organising special events in close partnership with relevant stakeholders and working closely with national and international media. * To sensitise the local community in building their capacity for reducing the risks of potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods to the local people, infrastructure and fragile environment in the Everest region. The expedition will depart from Kathmandu on the 6th of April 2008 on a 62 days long campaign in the region. The Eco Everest Expedition will be led by Dawa Steven Sherpa of Nepal who climbed Everest in the Spring of 2007. The expedition will be joined by the famous Japanese climber and alpinist Ken Noguchi in the base camp in the Nepalese side. In addition, Eco Everest Expedition 2008 will draw other internationally renowned Everest summiteers. In tandem with climbing expedition, there will be a scientific expedition consisting of detailed field investigations to study the climate change impacts on the glaciers, glacial lakes and risk posed by potential dangerous lakes. Special events will be organised working closely with national and international media to raise the awareness of climate change impact in the Himalaya. Efforts will be made to involve local organisations and community. Through the expedition it also intends to raise funds to build the capacity of local community for monitoring and early warning of potential GLOFs. Eco Everest Expedition will try and attract other like-minded organisations and individuals including the private sectors for contributions to form a broader coalition in the partnership.

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

Organized by the Nepal Embassy- Brussels and facilitated by the Friends of Nepal Group in the European Parliament, "The Nepal for all Seasons" program was held on 03 March 2008 at the main parliament building of the European Union in the city of Brussels, Belgium. This was a first ever event of Nepal Tourism Board organized in this premise. The head of the Nepal delegation, Mr. Leela Mani Paudyal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation welcomed the Members of the European Parliament and other dignitaries attending the program. In his brief address, Secretary Paudyal appraised the guests about the current political situation in the country and lauded the European Parliament and European Union for their support and cooperation received during the democratic movement followed by the peace process of Nepal. The Secretary expressed hope that the European Parliament would continue to extend its support to assist in the building of a prosperous, harmonious and inclusive Nepal. He urged European friends to help promote tourism in Nepal which he claimed would help sustaining peace by creating employment opportunities in a relatively short period of time. The chief guest, Mrs. Neena Gill, MEP, and chairperson, Friends of Nepal in European Parliament expressed great happiness at the positive developments in Nepal and was confident that with peace and stability tourism will see great progress. Presenting Naturally Nepal - Nepal for all Seasons Ms Nandini Lahe Thapa, Director of NTB highlighted the major tourism attractions of Nepal and explained the vital role played by the tourism in Nepal's economy. The program was perceived as thoroughly enjoyed by the attending dignitaries. More than a dozen senior members of European parliament, Director and Deputy Director of South Asia division of European commission, journalists and high ranking officials from both the European Parliament and Commission were present on the occasion. Ambassador (designate) of Nepal to European Union, Mr. Pramesh K Hamal and other officials from the Embassy were also present on the occasion. The Friends of Nepal Group in European Parliament is a platform of members of European parliament representing different countries to share ideas and information and to promote the larger interest of Nepal and the European Union.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Nepal participated TTAA International Travel Fair

Nepal participated TTAA International Travel Fair
Kathmandu
3/6/2008

Nepal participated TTAA International Travel Fair Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Nepal Airlines Corporation and Nepalese Travel Trade participated in the TTAA International Travel Fair held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand. The fair was organized from February 28 to March 2, 2008 by Thai Travel Agents' Association and featured 300-plus stalls representing NT0s, travel agencies, Airlines and others. The Nepal stall carried twin themes of Spiritual Tourism (Lumbini and Buddhism in particular) and Leisure and Adventure (Pokhara and adventure-based activities). The participating companies in Nepal stall were Highlander Trekking & Expeditions and Zenith Experience Travel Services. The representatives of Marketing of Sustainable Tourism (MAST – Nepal) project also participated in the fair.
The fair is estimated to have visited by 200000 plus general public. A fair deal of awareness and interest on Nepal already existed amongst many of the visitors, with Lumbini and Mount Everest being the icons mostly contributing to this awareness. NTB, amongst the themes identified by its brand campaign "Unleash Yourself ..Naturally Nepal – Once Is Not Enough," has been focusing on South East Asian Markets in general and Thailand in particular with various Lifetime Experiences and Amazing Adventure packages.
However, security and mobility concerns still remain a priority issue to the Thais seeking to travel here. There were many queries on accessibility options too. Though there were only two private sector entities represented in the Nepal Stall, they were visibly optimistic of generating further sales out of this participation. At the same time, there is a need for Nepal specialist tour operators based in Thailand to actively participate in TTAA offering special offers for consumers. The fair contributed to propagating destination awareness further amongst the consumers and for the private sector agencies in forging business alliances with the Bangkok based tour operators.
In conjunction with the fair, Nepalese embassy in cooperation with Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents and Nepal Airlines Corporation organized a Nepal Evening on 28th February 2008 with a view to interact with the local travel trade entrepreneurs and media. In the program attended by the local travel trade, media personnel and Nepalese based in Bangkok, renowned mountaineer Mr. Ang Rita Sherpa, who has summited Mt. Everest ten times without resorting to bottled oxygen, was felicitated. An audio-visual presentation on Tourism in Nepal was appreciated by all present. Likewise, a comprehensive documentary on Mr. Ang Rita Sherpa was also screened and succeeded in generating rave reviews.

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

Organized by the Nepal Embassy- Brussels and facilitated by the Friends of Nepal Group in the European Parliament, "The Nepal for all Seasons" program was held on 03 March 2008 at the main parliament building of the European Union in the city of Brussels, Belgium. This was a first ever event of Nepal Tourism Board organized in this premise. The head of the Nepal delegation, Mr. Leela Mani Paudyal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation welcomed the Members of the European Parliament and other dignitaries attending the program.In his brief address, Secretary Paudyal appraised the guests about the current political situation in the country and lauded the European Parliament and European Union for their support and cooperation received during the democratic movement followed by the peace process of Nepal. The Secretary expressed hope that the European Parliament would continue to extend its support to assist in the building of a prosperous, harmonious and inclusive Nepal. He urged European friends to help promote tourism in Nepal which he claimed would help sustaining peace by creating employment opportunities in a relatively short period of time.The chief guest, Mrs. Neena Gill, MEP, and chairperson, Friends of Nepal in European Parliament expressed great happiness at the positive developments in Nepal and was confident that with peace and stability tourism will see great progress. Presenting Naturally Nepal - Nepal for all Seasons Ms Nandini Lahe Thapa, Director of NTB highlighted the major tourism attractions of Nepal and explained the vital role played by the tourism in Nepal's economy. The program was perceived as thoroughly enjoyed by the attending dignitaries. More than a dozen senior members of European parliament, Director and Deputy Director of South Asia division of European commission, journalists and high ranking officials from both the European Parliament and Commission were present on the occasion. Ambassador (designate) of Nepal to European Union, Mr. Pramesh K Hamal and other officials from the Embassy were also present on the occasion.The Friends of Nepal Group in European Parliament is a platform of members of European parliament representing different countries to share ideas and information and to promote the larger interest of Nepal and the European Union.

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