As an acting CEO, what are your plans for NTB?
It is not that my responsibility has started just now. I have been working with NTB for the last 13 years. I had also been working for the betterment of the board when I was outside it. Now, that I have the legal authority to lead, I am working to develop professionalism, reform the services provided by the board, enhance the facilities, manage the differences between private-public partnerships, align the team to meet the goals and ensure fast delivery.
What are the major challenges you have identified so far for the development of NTB?
There are two major challenges: the first one pertains to clarity in partnership with private organizations, and the second challenge is to address the needs of the tourism industry such as developing infrastructure, and creating and marketing new packages in the international arena.
I will work to ensure responsible involvement of the private sector in our work areas. The frequent strikes have also affected us as it has hindered the flow of tourists.
The government has recently submitted a report regarding the restructuring of NTB. Is it possible to implement the suggestions of the committee?
Even though the report has just summarized inputs from various stakeholders, it has ignited the process of reform, and we will definitely consider the changes it has suggested, especially those which can be immediately implemented, to help the organization grow. Making NTB better is our responsibility and we will do our best with our resources and capacity.
Despite the promotion campaigns launched by NTB in India, the tourist arrival from India seems to be decreasing. What is your view regarding this?
It is true that the number of Indian tourists is declining. It is declining mainly because of the problem of air connectivity. As there are lesser airlines flying to Nepal, the air fares are high. Interaction with tourism entrepreneurs and the potential tourists from India is also lacking. We also have not been able to launch effective marketing campaigns in India.
At a time when the US dollar is getting stronger, going to Europe or America or any other far-flung destinations is getting expensive for the Indian tourists; this is the right time that we take advantage of the situation.
We are opening NTB office in Delhi by mid-2014, and this will definitely help in promoting Nepal in India. The recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on investment and cooperation in the tourism sector with India will also help increase the arrival of Indian tourists. Besides India, as number of Chinese tourists is growing, we are focusing to open NTB office in China too, but it will take more time as we are facing problem regarding placement.
So far NTB has largely relying on traditional tools for promotion and marketing. Do you also have plans to effectively use new age tools such as social media to promote Nepal?
Currently, we have been using Facebook, but it is not enough. Now that the Information and Communication (IT) Department is under my direct supervision, I will intervene and operate social media for dynamic, productive and result-oriented changes.
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