World Tourism Day 2022 has been marked today with the theme of rethinking tourism. Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) organised a symposium collaboratively with the ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) on various topics regarding the sustainability of tourism in the mountain region. 

At the symposium, President of NMA Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa briefed regarding NMA's effort in sustainable mountain tourism. President Mr. Sherpa informed the gathering and connected through zoom about NMA's efforts towards sustainable mountain tourism. 

‘‘We are always ready to promote the mountains of Nepal sustainably’’, the President of NMA said. 

President Mr. Sherpa also invited all to partner with the NMA for the betterment of mountain tourism. ‘‘We have many issues which urgently need to be addressed. The Government should also work promptly. It would be better if the Government of Nepal declares adventure tourism as our National Tourism’’, the NMA president further added, ‘‘Personally I would like to call all who are working in the field of mountaineering and mountain tourism to collaborate with us for the betterment of mountain tourism. It is impossible to preserve Nepali mountains without skilful mountaineers/human resources. And as a technical wing of Government of Nepal, we are committed not only to promote and preserve the mountains of Nepal but also produce human resources needed for mountaineering in required number.’’ 

In the symposium organised at the premises of ICIMOD, regional programme manager Dr. Arun Bhakta Shrestha also briefed regarding the ICIMOD’s experience of responding to climate change impacts in Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. 

At the event, President of NMA Mr. Sherpa, along with other guests, also launched the Red Panda Trial prepared and promoted by the ICIMOD and Green HKH digital aggregator platform prepared by Beta Park. Ltd Bhutan. 

The symposium was attended by the general secretary of NMA Mr. Mohan Lamsal, secretary Mr. Dhan Bahadur Gurung, secretariat members duo Mr. Ramchandra Dhamala & Rajendra Bahadur Lama, central executive board members Mr. Lal Bahadur Waiba, Ms. Nima Doma Sherpa, Mr. Kishan Gurung, Mr. Singi Lama, Mr. Lama Babu Sherpa, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kul Prasad Rai.