Sunday, September 8, 2024 Deepak Raj Joshi, the newly appointed CEO of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), has committed to focusing on the government’s ambitious target of welcoming 1.6 million foreign tourists by the end of the current fiscal year. This goal aligns with the government’s broader tourism agenda as outlined in the national budget.
Upon assuming office for the second time, Joshi emphasized the importance of identifying and promoting new international markets to further strengthen Nepal’s tourism sector. In a conversation with the RSS, he expressed his dedication to the successful implementation of the “Visit Decade (2023-2031)” initiative, which aims to position Nepal as a top global destination over the next several years. Previously, Joshi served as the CEO of the Board in 2019 when tourist arrivals reached around 1.
2 million. However, his term ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted global travel and tourism. In his new term, Joshi emphasized the need for increased research and development in the tourism sector, particularly in areas requiring innovation and a deeper understanding of market demands.
He shared that a well-drafted action plan for the next four years is in place and that he will soon unveil a comprehensive strategy focusing on international promotion, enhancing tourism infrastructure, and public-private partnerships. A key challenge identified by Joshi is the shortage of skilled human resources, which he plans to addre.