Suman Pandey, a prominent figure in the Nepali hospitality sector, has been appointed as the Vice Chairperson of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), a leading travel trade association in the Asia Pacific region. The announcement was made during the 73rd PATA Annual General Meeting held in Bangkok on June 7. Pandey has been a member of PATA HQ since 1997 and has held various leadership positions in Nepal, including President of the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), General Secretary of the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN), and Executive Member of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), among others. Pandey, who is also the President of Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, brings extensive experience to his new role. He holds additional positions as CEO of Fishtail Air, Director of Summit Air and Chhaya Centre, President of the Himalaya Academy of Travel and Tourism, and President of Himalayan Pre-Fab Pvt Ltd. In addition to his industry leadership, Pandey is renowned for organising unique and challenging events. In 2009, he organised the Historic Cabinet Meeting of the Nepal Government at Kala Patthar (5,644m) in the Everest region, attended by 26 ministers of Nepal. This meeting aimed to discuss and pass resolutions in support of global warming mitigation programs, garnering international media coverage.