Nepal participates in JATA World Travel Fair ­ 2008 in Tokyo

Nepal participates in JATA World Travel Fair ­ 2008 in Tokyo
News Release
September 23, 2008

Nepal Tourism Board in co-ordination with the Embassy of Nepal in Tokyo participated in the JATA World Travel Fair 2008 in Tokyo from 19-21 September 2008. Other participant was The Malla Hotel Pvt. Ltd. The JATA World Travel Fair is the largest annual travel show being organized by Japan Association of Travel Agents. National Tourism Organizations, Travel Tour Operators, Airlines, Hoteliers and Resorts, Cruise Liners and Transport Operators from around the world exhibited their products and services in the fair.

Nepal stall was decorated with flex posters picturing Mt. Everest, Lumbini and other various natural and cultural attractions of Nepal. JATA World Travel Fair 2008 was a very effective platform for Nepal to interact with Japanese outbound travel trade companies and other visitors for gaining their confidence for travelling to Nepal. Along with the restoration of peace in Nepal, the confidence of Japanese travellers towards Nepal is increasing. The Japanese tour operators seemed very keen to generate tourism business in Nepal. Nepali souvenirs and other various Nepal promotional collaterals were distributed to the Japanese travel trade, media and public visitors at the stall.

Japan having 18 million outbound travellers annually aims at increasing Japanese outbound travellers to 20 m by 2010 with visit world campaign. Japan with total number of 10684 registered travel agencies has always remained as a major tourist generating value market for Nepalese tourism. Currently there has been a major shift from group tour to FIT among the Japanese travellers.

The major concern of the Japanese visitors to Nepal stall was about the lack of direct flight connectivity between Nepal and Japan and lack of air seats to Kathmandu sector. Nepali Diaspora living in Japan also expressed their sincere enthusiasm and commitment to promote Nepalese tourism in Japan.