August 31: The 'Nepal Hospitality Conclave – 2022,' which was postponed due to Covid-19, is all set to be held from September 24 to 25. The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) is preparing to organize this conclave with a plan to discuss the pros and cons of bringing international chain brands to Nepal. During the two-day event, stakeholders will also discuss internal and external marketing strategies.

HAN informed that the two-day conclave will be organized in Kathmandu with the participation of local and foreign tourism experts. HAN expects to draw the attention of the government which still lacks understanding about the hospitality business

Speaking at a press conference organized by HAN in Kathmandu on Monday, its President Shreejana Rana said that they are going to hold a comprehensive program to uplift the tourism sector after Covid and decide the future strategy.

According to her, there will be a detailed discussion on the benefits of bringing foreign chain brands to Nepal. The event will be attended by high-ranking officials from different countries, tourism experts from the country, and officials from relevant government agencies.

She said that there will be a panel discussion on the benefits of bringing chain hotels, marketing, women entrepreneurs, policy problems with the government, , and environmental issues.

For the last few years, hoteliers have been introducing international chain brands in Nepal. New chain brands like Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott as well as old brands like Hyatt and Radisson are operating in Nepal.

Nepalese businessmen are trying to introduce other new chain brands as well. Rana said that a session has been fixed to discuss the benefits of internationally renowned brands coming to Nepal and the benefits it will bring to the marketing of Nepal's tourism.

Sajan Shakya, general secretary of HAN, said that it is not certain from which countries the participants will come in the conclave. However, he says that experts in the field of hospitality will come from 5/6 countries to attend the conclave. Shakya said that the main objective is to provide the government with detailed information about the tourism and hospitality sector and to promote tourism.

The tourism industry, which has been heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic, is returning back to normalcy since 2022. The organizers believe that the thematic discussion during the conclave will help in making future decisions and also form strategies for tourism promotion.

Similarly, the government’s ambiguous policy, standard of hotels, the role of women entrepreneurs in HR and the positive effects of using environment-friendly plastic will also be discussed during the program. The conclave was initially scheduled for July but was postponed until September.