PATA Nepal Chapter Celebrates Golden Jubilee, Marking 50 Years of Public–Private Partnership in Tourism
Kathmandu, 30th December 2025 - The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter celebrated its Grand Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of contribution to Nepal’s tourism development through public–private partnership, at a special ceremony held on 29 December 2025 at Royal Tulip Kathmandu.
The milestone event brought together senior government officials, tourism leaders, former chairpersons, private sector pioneers, international partners, and industry professionals to reflect on five decades of leadership, collaboration, and impact since the Chapter’s establishment in 1975.
The ceremony was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Honorable Anil Kumar Sinha, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal, who commended PATA Nepal Chapter’s significant role in tourism planning, policy advocacy, marketing, human capital development, and tourism recovery initiatives over the years.
The Video remarks from PATA CEO, Mr. Noor Ahmad Hameed, conveyed congratulations and appreciation for PATA Nepal Chapter’s exemplary contribution within the global PATA network. The celebration opened with welcome music by Sursudha, followed by a cultural dance performance by PATA Nepal Chapter’s Young Tourism Professionals (YTPs), reflecting Nepal’s rich culture and the dynamism of the next generation of tourism leaders.
Welcoming the gathering, Mr. Khem Lakai, Chairman, PATA Nepal Chapter, expressed gratitude to all past and present leaders—from the founding chairman to the immediate past chairmen—and thanked members and partners for their continued trust and collaboration throughout the Chapter’s 50- year journey.
A special commemorative video titled “Reflections on 50 Years of the Public–Private Partnership Journey of PATA Nepal Chapter” highlighted key milestones and contributions made since 1975.
The program also featured remarks from Respected Dipendra Purus Dhakal, Advisor, PATA Nepal Chapter; Mr. Mukund Prasad Niraula, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; Mr. Prabin Pandey, Former Chairman, PATA Nepal Chapter; and Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board. The speakers highly appreciated PATA Nepal Chapter’s unparalleled role and contributions in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism and in strengthening Nepal’s tourism sector over the past 50 years, and extended their best wishes for the next 50 years.
Annual Awards & Felicitation
As part of the Golden Jubilee, PATA Nepal Chapter Annual Awards 2025 were presented:
Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Karna Sakya for his lifelong contribution to tourism, sustainability, conservation, and hospitality in Nepal.
Tourism Trail Blazer Award to Mr. Shiva Dhakal for his leadership in community-based and sustainable tourism.
Tourism Personality of the Year to Mr. Bijay Amatya, CEO, Kora Tours, for his consistent contribution to Nepal’s tourism industry and PATA Nepal Chapter.
Special Contribution Award to Mr. Anthony Lindsay Jones for his pioneering role in rafting, adventure, and cultural tourism in Nepal.
The event also felicitated partner organizations, tourism associations, educational institutions, and key individuals for their long-standing collaboration and support.
The Golden Jubilee Celebration reaffirmed PATA Nepal Chapter’s commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism, while celebrating five decades of partnership, leadership, and shared vision for Nepal’s tourism future.