Do you think the services being provided by Nepali travel agencies are as per the demand of Chinese visitors?
On the basis of interaction with entrepreneurs during the two-day workshop, I feel travel agencies here have similar experience like those in other countries. They are making packages as per the demand of tourists. However, one should understand habits and interest of people of different nationalities while making packages. Chinese, for example, love to make noise and bargain. If they make noise, you have to understand that they are happy. Similarly, they want to bargain even if they don't want to pay lesser price.
What do Chinese prefer in Nepal that Nepali tour operators are not offering?
Nepal has very positive image in China. They like Nepal's clean atmosphere, good nature, culture and friendly people. Chinese come here mostly for experiences. I think Nepal has to convert it into bookable products that one can buy. Nepal has to focus on niche market too as China has huge population and niche markets means hundreds and thousands of potential tourists.
Nepali tour operators can allow Chinese tourists to stay in rural households, and take them on bird watching trips and jungle safari. They can teach Chinese tourists local dances and songs as well ways to prepare local food items, among others. These are things that Chinese cannot arrange themselves.
As many Chinese tourists do not rely on tour operators, tour operators can look into these factors if they want to attract more Chinese tourists. It will be beneficial for both as Chinese want to have unique experience in Nepal which other countries cannot offer.
Nepal should focus on 'Golden Week' that is on first week of October and Chinese New Year when Chinese people have long holidays.
What do you think Nepal should to bring high-end Chinese tourists?
It is good to have more tourists. But it is even more important to look into how long they are staying and how much they are spending. What Nepal has to do is try to have quality products not the low-cost products. Nepal has a good image as a special place to go among Chinese tourists and Nepal should continue be that. I suggest tour operators to develop a good package for special experience and give visitors the best value for money. What you should be careful is do not let tourists feel that Nepal is for poor Chinese only.
Many Chinese nationals are opening restaurants and hotels in major tourist destinations. Do you think this will help cater the need of Chinese visitors?
It depends on segment. It is a boon for people who travel less and do not understand English. When these tourists return home and tell their friends, this will definitely help to bring more Chinese visitors to Nepal. But there are other segments who love to have Nepali food and Nepal hospitality and experience which they cannot get in Chinese hotels and restaurants here in Nepal. As they can easily have best Chinese food in their own country, they want to experience something different here.
The Nepali hospitality is something that matters. It cannot be compared to anywhere in the world.
Nepal has decided to waive visa fee for Chinese tourists. Do you think it will help?
It is a very good move. Paying US$ 25 for two weeks is not a big deal though. But Chinese people will be very happy to get a special attention than people of other countries. It shows your extra care, concern and for them and this is something that Chinese like the most. I am hopeful that the decision will help to bring more Chinese tourists who will be spending more than the visa fee.
What do you think are Nepal's Unique Selling Points (USP) for the Chinese market?
I think it is proximity, good government to government relation, clean environment and honesty of Nepali people. Smaller things like giving correct change and giving back the things that visitors leave behind is what Chinese mostly like. This is something that they do not find even in their own country most of the times.
Friendly people, and warm and heartfelt hospitality, UNESCO Heritage sites like Lumbini and Sagarmatha, and most importantly the smile and resilience of Nepalis people are Nepal's USPs.
What should Nepal to get more repeat visitors from China?
For now, Chinese are mostly one time visitors. But if you diversify tourism products and services as per their taste and segment, you can repeat visitors. My suggestion is Nepal should organize bilateral programs like Nepal-China musical or cultural festival which can attract more Chinese tourists. Such events can attract Chinese visitors to came here again. China is a window with open opportunities for Nepal. If Nepal fails to capture this opportunity, some other country will do.
What is the reason behind COTRI signing MoU with NATTA. How will it be beneficial to both the parties?
COTRI is working with more than 20 countries. NATTA is now our country partner for Nepal. We have provided training to members of NATTA. We will also provide Training-of- Trainers (ToT) after which NATTA can continue training on its own.
As for COTRI, we are trying to develop projects together with NATTA. We are working on 'pro-poor' like home-stay tourism. For this we need a local partner and local political connection, among others. We are also talking about developing new products for Nepal like 'inclusive tourism' and 'health tourism' among others. We will also help Nepal by providing international experience, third party financing, developing new products and providing resources, among others.
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