In 2018, Nepal�s tourist arrivals crossed the 1 million mark for the first time in the history of Nepali tourism industry and it sparked joy among those concerned. The country had been seeing steady increase in tourist arrivals each year since 2009 except for 2015 when we faced huge earthquake, so crossing the 1 million mark was just a matter of time. International Flights movement in the year 2018 has increased by 48% comparing to the year 2011 whereas the tourist arrival has increased by 59% in the year 2018 comparing to the arrival of the year 2011. Visit Nepal 2020 was announced then with an expectancy of 2 million tourists, it was a big ask for a country that had just crossed the 1 million mark of Tourism in Nepal shall gain a lot in Visit Nepal Year 2020 and Aloft Kathmandu Thamel is doing its best in promoting the same. We released a Destination Video 10 months ago on Nepal and its beautiful sights and sounds, we believe that Nepal comes first and then Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. This video has been circulated widely across Social Media, Medias, Travel Trade and more than 6800 Marriott International Properties. Besides this in all Tourism Fairs and Forums where we participate we disseminate Visit Nepal Year 2020 information to get maximum attraction. Also, since the hotel is part of Shanti Hospitality Management Services we have promoted Visit Nepal Year 2020 the wide distribution of Sales and Marketing networks.

At Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, we have 167 keys and hope to welcome as many people as possible, as any increase is a great momentum for the overall Tourism Industry in Nepal and we are happy to do our part.

[caption id="attachment_3869" align="alignright" width="240"] Aloft Kathmandu Thamel Mr. Vikram Singh General Manager[/caption]

I think the thought is right and the public and private sectors have come together to ensure the success of Visit Nepal Year 2020. A few welcome additions would be Government Incentives for Tourism industry like Tax rebates or partnerships. Also, the Tourism fees especially Visa and World Heritage Sites entry can be waived off for Visit Nepal Year 2020 or made very less including payments online rather in the TIA counters.

Infrastructure can be improved considerably and addition of new destinations and cities and amazing places like Rara Lake. Learn from the world�s best Tourism Destinations and listen / implement Key Stake holders� thoughts in Nepal and turn them into actions including making them for 2020 and later.

We must make this Visit Nepal Year 2020 and beyond as experiencing Nepal is not enough just once.

tourist arrival. However, barely crossing the 1 million mark doesn�t necessarily guarantee that the numbers of tourist arrivals are going to increase significantly. The major reason would be the air connectivity. Unless, we have our international airport in Lumbini currently under construction is complete and start providing services well in advance, we can be skeptical in achieving the target of 2 million tourist arrival. So, as a country, do we feel that we have been doing enough to ensure that 2020 campaign is a success? There is a huge question mark. Still, all concerned and general public has been vocal about their concerns on Visit Nepal 2020 with everyone determined to make the year a success. The government has repeatedly assured that the country has the infrastructure to welcome and sustain more than 2 million people. As per news floated in media the tourism minister has given direction to general public to talk and show only the positive aspect about the place, system and the destination so that it gives positive message to travelers. But, the problems in areas that the public face in their daily routine are still yet to be addressed. These problems are bound to be shared by tourists and leave an unwanted impression on them as well. Better roads, cleaner and proper public transport, improving the country�s only international airport, improving the air quality are a few of the many things that require urgent attention from the government. The lacks of progress in these areas are likely to prove the hindrance for the tourism growth not only for 2020 but beyond it as well.

Sustainable tourism is going to be our main theme in 2020. To enforce that vision, we are already partnered with waste management company to enforce and implement recycling practices among our staffs and customers. We have also applied plastic waste reduction and few environmental friendly alternatives which could be minute but an essential one to curb the unnecessary usage of plastics. We have also replaced our lights with LED bulbs in our effort to pursue energy conservation policy.

[caption id="attachment_3876" align="alignleft" width="193"] Mr. Samir Banerjee
General Manager
Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu[/caption]

We try to focus on three major elements-Product, People and Passion

The first and foremost element is our Product- We at Shangri-La constantly thrive for a quality service with exclusive experience and the product improvements, which is evident in our recent refurbishments. Our continuous effort to upgrade the quality for the products will create an additional value to the customers experience which is the essence of Shangri-La. Secondly, we believe great team is essential to create quality products, therefore various skill based and motivational trainings and workshops are conducted throughout the year and that allows us to be ready for VNY 2020 and last but not the least Passion. Passion for excellence, Passion for constant innovations and Passionate for promoting not only our hotel but as a destination itself.

Both of our properties portrays modern yet authentic touch, our loyal clients will immediately notice the significant improvements. Everything we have done so far is to provide a great experience for our guests and we are ready to embark on a new chapter to welcome and celebrate VNY 2020.

Also on a broader prospect, we are expecting a larger number of guests to stay with us than the previous year The country is working ease of tourism with the contributions from government bodies. The best part is that the country is focusing on the infrastructure development which includes aviation connecting directly to destinations to attract more customers.

Nepal as Destination in International Tourism Arena In their yearly list of the top destinations to visit in 2019, Lonely Planet placed Kathmandu as number five on their list while Tripadvisor placed Kathmandu 19th out of 25 in their best tourism destinations in the world for the year 2019. Validations from such organizations are further proof that Nepal has always been a popular destination around the world. The mountains, the wildlife, the natural landscape, the rich history and the people are major driving forces of tourism here. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) annual research report for 2018, Nepal�s travel and tourism sector generated NPR 240.7 billion and supported over 1.05 million jobs around the country. Nepal shows great potential for tourism development, which can stimulate economic growth and development if managed and planned properly. Tourism is the main instrument for regional development with positive economic impact on the income, employment and production. In recent years, the country has seen remarkable growth in the number of travel agencies, tour guides and operators, etc. In 2018, the number of registered travel agencies reached up to 3,508 and trekking agencies 2,649. In addition to foreign tourists, there is an increasing trend of internal tourists visiting different parts of Nepal. Given the growing commotion of people, lured by the natural, cultural, historical, and ethnic diversity, Nepal is capable of transforming the overall socio-economic status of the country.

Visit Nepal 2020, will definitely be an exciting year for tourism. The country will surely see a huge rise in influx of tourism due to the destination promotion going on. Hotel Yak and Yeti, being the premier and most historical hotel of Nepal would take the center stage in making 2020 a success story in times to come for Nepal tourism industry. We have restored the entire Lal Durbar convention center retaining the Nepali tradition, heritage and luxury of over 150 years to cater to the visiting guests. Also we have renovated the Chimney restaurant to give a great dining option for the foreign guests. Currently we have undertaken the renovation of our all day dining restaurant which would be ready by November; it will be an Indo Nepali restaurant to serve the best of Indian and Nepali cuisine to the visiting guests next year.

[caption id="attachment_3878" align="alignright" width="200"] Ms. Monika Scheiblauer
General Manager
Hotel Yak & Yeti[/caption]

Looking at the amount of promotional activities going around the world to make 2020 a success, we are looking at a Substantial increase in the number of trekkers and leisure guests and MICE Customer for 2020 and the following years. If I have to put a number, it would be around 80000-90000 International guests at the hotel during the calendar year 2020.

There are a lot of reforms undertaken by the Govt. of Nepal and Tourism Department in particular to en-cash this year as a great year to promote tourism in Nepal. We need to particularly focus on the Countries/Continents which has the most number of target customers for Nepal. We also need to work on various destination promotion programmes and market them well in our feeder markets like China/India/Europe/Americas/Middle East. There should be substantial investment in the infrastructural development of Nepal popular destinations making them more tourism friendly.

The Hotel Industry Stands To Gain Immensely The hotel industry also plays a big part of the country�s growing economy. The hotel industry will likely be one of the biggest winners after aviation industry in coming visit Nepal Year 2020. Nepal being a favored destination for many tourists around the world, the hotel industry is always on the limelight. Hence, fulfilling their roles will be a big benefit to them and the country as well. While we are sure that they are doing their part, much of the public is unaware as to what exactly is going on as per their preparations are concerned. They may have been operating under the slightest of pressures because much of the focus has been on the government and its efforts to promote Visit Nepal 2020. Hotels need to start implementing their plans soon and plan even further ahead in terms of welcoming the guests back after 2020. The hotel industry is constantly growing thereby attracting many famous foreign international chain hotels to begin their operations here. 2019 alone saw two Marriott chain of hotels launched in the Kathmandu Valley. Similarly, international hotel chains such as the Sheraton Hotel and Doubletree by Hilton are currently undergoing constructions. Now, there is a widespread concern among many hoteliers, especially the ones who had been there since 1960s. With new hotels coming into operation, will all the hotels get their fair share of the business generated through the surge in tourist arrival? Or, just that the hotel will face cut throat competition only. Likewise, the new generation in Nepal also sees a lot of opportunities of progress and growth in the growing hospitality industry. The number of students taking up hospitality education has seen a significant rise in the last decade. Institutes offering hotel management studies have also begun to improve and match the qualities required by these big name hotels.

As an industry we are all excited about Visit Nepal 2020 as the initiative is definitely about putting Nepal back on the tourist map post incidents like the earthquake of 2015. Tourism is an integral part of the nation�s economy and we feel it needs to be a collaborated effort not just of stakeholders in the hotel industry but all across the country, since as per a recent report by World Travel Tourism Council, Travel and Tourism account for 10.4% of the total Global GDP. In regards to the hotel, we would like to enhance on our delivery of Nepalese hospitality and culture. Currently we have Nepalese selection in our F&B

[caption id="attachment_3872" align="alignright" width="200"] Mr. Rajesh Ramdas
General Manager
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu[/caption]

offerings, which is seasonal and reflective of festivals happening. At Hyatt we are also very conscious about sustainability and our concept of �Farm to Table� is something, which we work with very diligently with our vendors, and they will be reflected in our new menus.�� The hotel is already appreciated with its traditional design and offering by our guests and as part of VNY 2020, we are planning to promote more localized experiences at the hotel and explore joint efforts with our partners in the industry. Stay tuned to be mesmerized with renovated and new outlets with our focus on elevating the engagement of our guests.

The welcome experience is what we would like to define as our key focus rather than the number of guests and it will be our endeavor to create �Lifetime Experience� for a guest for 2020 and beyond.

Change is inevitable and as part of our efforts to make VNY 2020 and beyond a success and sustainable, it requires the concerned authorities to facilitate capacity building for the country to welcome more tourists. Enhance and support initiatives to extend a seamless experience, be it investment in infrastructure and promoting activities to attract guests to stay longer and enjoy Nepal.

Suggestion on Possible Plans Nepal has a considerable amount of international chain hotels. What we would like to see are those hotels promote Nepal in their group of hotels around the world. It can be in the form of many things especially pictorial and promotional video of destination, cultural, art and craft or even Nepalese cuisine. This is possible by putting together the considerable amount of time and money from both the government and private sector, especially the respective hotel chains. Though it requires some investment, but the hotels should consider the possible income it is going to generate as well. The current hotel industry in Nepal also sees a lot of food festivals. Almost every other month, a food festival is held taking place offering some delicious foreign cuisine to Nepali palates. While offering cuisines that are not readily available in the country is well and good, our primary focus should be on promoting the rich and diverse cuisine the country itself has to offer. We need to prioritize promoting Nepalese cuisine to not only our foreign guests but also to our fellow Nepalese people. This again is a difficult task as Nepali cuisine is vast and yet to be fully documented. Hotels should focus on presenting cuisines from a single region of Nepal and provide local and foreign guests with an authentic experience.

Radisson Hotel Kathmandu has planned to flaunt Nepal with its rich culture, diverse cuisine and renowned hospitality throughout the year 2020.

We are expecting guests to stay with us. More the better. It will purely depend on the marketing of Visit Nepal 2020 which the tourism board is all hog to ensure. Jointly we shall achieve success.

Giving a facelift to the Tribhuvan International Airport easing air traffic as well as human traffic congestion is essential. Repairing roads to ensure smooth surface transportation should also be a priority for the country. Meanwhile, Kathmandu being the capital should get a festive look too.

[caption id="attachment_3874" align="alignright" width="225"] Mr. Subrata Banerjee
General Manager
Radisson Hotel Kathmandu[/caption]

As a country we all must ensure that every interaction with tourists is friendly, helpful and courteous in all parts of our country. Colorful road shows in certain parts of the city in the evenings depicting Nepali culture shall definitely enrich the charisma of the city.

Our aim should be to showcase Nepal with all its facets so that tourists visiting this year go back home and share their incredible experience encouraging more tourists to travel Nepal in years to come.

Given that we still have a few months left before 2020, a lot of things can still be achieved during that period. However, these are plans that will take time to implement and require adequate resources to be realized. Hotels will no doubt have plans of their own and will be looking to implement them when they think the time is right. A lot of preparations are still needed to be done but 2020 is potentially looking like a very busy year for Nepal. The general feeling is that 2020 will record the most number of tourists since the numbers were first recorded. As a country, we need to act fast and put all the plans we have in place to provide guests a �Lifetime Experience�. Achieving our target of 2 million tourists aren�t easy as they sound. The country is likely to get a better view of our goal of 2 million tourists once the numbers for 2019 are finalized. However, we are bound to eventually reach 2 million tourists in the near future. The only question is can we do it in 2020?