The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association working to promote the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. The PATA organized PTM 2024 brought together approximately 900 participants from 45 destinations. It includes 266 exhibitors from 168 organizations and 191 buyers from 173 organizations representing 31 source markets. The event, which took place at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), celebrated the 25th anniversary of PATA’s transfer to this site. Along with other representatives Nepal also had a big influence at the PATA Travel Mart 2024 (PTM 2024). Nepal won top honors and demonstrated strong involvement with 18 member companies from Nepal’s private tourism industry.
The PATA Nepal Chapter received the prestigious ‘PATA Award of Excellence’ for its outstanding efforts throughout the calendar year 2023-24. This award celebrates the chapter’s efforts to promote tourism and support the travel sector in the Pacific Asia area. Chairman Khem Lakai, IP Chairman Bibhuti Chand Thakur, General Secretary Narendra Bhatta, and CEO Suresh Singh Budal all received the honor. Chairman Lakai expressed his joy, saying, “Our efforts during difficult times are now acknowledged internationally. We are happy to join Team Nepal and believe in shared prosperity through tourism.”
In addition to this accomplishment, the Nepal Tourism Board’s STLR Project won the PATA Gold Award in the Community-Based Tourism category. Intrepid DMC Nepal also received the Grand Title Winner in the Sustainability and Social Responsibility area. The prizes were given out during the PATA Gold Award Ceremony on August 28, 2024. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal, emphasized the importance of Nepal’s active involvement in PTM 2024. He also highlighted the country’s dedication to building international tourism relationships and exhibiting its unique assets to a worldwide audience.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid also praised the event’s success. He said “PATA Travel Mart 2024 demonstrates our commitment to the future of Asia Pacific tourism. It symbolizes our aim of promoting long-term prosperity, driving innovation, and encouraging regional collaboration. Among the 18 Nepalese firms represented at PTM 2024 were well-known brands like Heritage Tours & Travels, Nepal Airlines Corporation, Community Homestay Network, and Luxury DMC Travels.
Also read: Birgunj Transport Revenue Exceeds Rs 1.5B in FY 2023/24
