Nepal gains a foothold in Turkish outbound
The Nepal Tourism Board, along with 5 private sector companies, participated in the 18th edition of EMITT (East Mediterranean International Travel and Tourism Exhibition), organized in Istanbul, Turkey from January 30 to February 2, 2014. With the Turkish Airlines connect Istanbul to Kathmandu and the obvious prospects of an increase in the number of tourists from Turkey in particular and Europe in general, this was Nepal Tourism Board’s maiden representation in the event. With 70 countries and approximately 5000 exhibitors this year, participation in EMITT was a positive and proactive step taken by NTB.
Also, Nepal Tourism Board, in co-ordination with Nepalese Honorary Consul General Prof. Dr. F. Gunseli Malkoc and Honorary Public Relations Representative of Nepal Tourism Board in Turkey Mr. Baris Malkoc, organized a special program in Istanbul on 28 January 2014 to commemorate the ongoing Mt. Everest Diamond Jubilee Celebration program. In a program attended by the local tour operators, media and aviation industry – altogether 85 – Ms. Nandini Lahe Thapa, Sr. Director, NTB, presented the diverse facets of Nepal’s tourism to the assembly. Five Turkish Everest summiteers were conferred upon special commemorative medals. The medal recipients include such renowned names as Mr. Tunch Findik, the first Turkish to summit Everest from Nepali side and Mr. Ali Nasuh Mahruki, the first Muslim climber to summit Everest. Likewise, the other summiteers felicitated in the program were Mr. Mustafa Kalayci, Mr. Firat Eren and Mr. Yilmaz Sevgul. Speaking on behalf of the medal recipients, Mr. Findik and Mr. Mahruki expressed joy and gratitude to the Nepal government for this recognition and reiterated their commitment in promoting Nepal’s mountains, and Nepal too.
Whereas Nepal Tourism Board was represented by Ms. Nandini Lahe Thapa, Senior Disrector and Mr. Udaya Bhattarai, Manager-in-charge, the fellow private sector participants were Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Malla Travel and Trek Services, Outdoor Expeditions, The Explore Nepal and Aarya Village Travel Pvt. Ltd. Turkish Airlines partnered with NTB for the event.
TOURISM TIMES 