Joshi pledges to support the government's target of welcoming 1.6 milllion tourists

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 9: The newly elected CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, has pledged to focus on meeting the government's target of welcoming 1.6 million foreign tourists to the country, as announced in the budget for the current fiscal year.

Assuming office yesterday for the second time, Joshi stated that his priorities will include promoting Nepal's tourism in the international market by identifying potential markets and areas. In an interview with RSS, he expressed his commitment to supporting the effective implementation of the "Visit Decade" (2023-2031), announced by the government.

Joshi previously served as CEO of the Board in 2019, a year that saw the arrival of around 1.2 million foreign tourists. His term ended with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that Nepal's tourism sector requires more research and studies, and he is determined to address this gap as CEO. He also mentioned that he has drafted a clear action plan for the next four years and will soon unveil his working strategy.

Joshi expressed his commitment to further expanding Nepal's tourism in the international market, in partnership with the private sector. He assessed that a major challenge for Nepal's tourism industry is the shortage of skilled human resources and pledged to work on increasing the workforce in collaboration with relevant agencies.

The 379th meeting of the Nepal Tourism Board's Executive Committee, held on September 5, appointed Joshi to the post for a four-year term, in accordance with the Nepal Tourism Board Act 2053 BS (1997). Joshi has been involved in the development, expansion, and promotion of the tourism sector for over two decades. He has also served as the Destination Committee Chair for the Pacific Asia Travel Association, a founding executive member of the World Tourism Network, and the General Director at the Confederation of Nepalese Industries.

He has received numerous awards, including "Champion in Challenge," "Tourism Hero," "Best CEO," and "PATA Personality of the Year."