Nepal and South Korea Strengthen Tourism and Diplomatic Ties

In a bid to bolster tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties between Nepal and South Korea, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang expressed the government's commitment to collaborate with Korean tour and trekking operators. Korea stands out as a major market for Nepal's tourism sector, making collaboration with Korean operators a strategic move for promoting Nepal's diverse tourism offerings.

Minister Tamang made these remarks during the 7th annual general meeting of the Korea Tours and Trekking Operator Association of Nepal (KTTOAN) held in Kathmandu. Emphasizing the importance of direct flights between Kathmandu and Korea, Minister Tamang urged the Korean ambassador to work together towards initiating Nepal Airlines' direct flights to Korea. This initiative is expected to significantly expand Nepal's tourism market by providing convenient and efficient travel options for Korean tourists.

Furthermore, Minister Tamang highlighted the government's support for Nepal-Korea joint expeditions, specifically mentioning the Cabinet's approval of a proposal for a royalty waiver for the Nepal-Korea joint expedition on Jugal I and Jugal II peaks in Sindhupalchowk district. The waiver will benefit seven Korean and three Nepali climbers participating in the expeditions scheduled for April 7, showcasing Nepal's commitment to fostering international cooperation in adventure tourism.

In response, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, Park Tae-Young, expressed optimism about the role of KTTOAN in deepening relations between South Korea and Nepal. Acknowledging Nepal's popularity among Korean tourists, Ambassador Tae-Young affirmed that KOTTAN's efforts would contribute to attracting more visitors to Nepal, further strengthening bilateral ties.

Ambassador Tae-Young also reflected on the longstanding friendship between Korea and Nepal, highlighting the consistent growth in cooperation across various sectors since the establishment of diplomatic relations. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, underscoring the significance of continued collaboration and mutual support.

Similarly, the President of KTTOAN, Amar Bahadur Shahi, reaffirmed the association's commitment to promoting tourism and fostering people-to-people relations between Nepal and South Korea. Shahi stressed the importance of reactivating the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) to enhance tourism infrastructure and services for visitors.

In the meeting, it was also emphasized the association's ongoing efforts to promote Nepal's tourism in the Korean market. Sherpa called for government support in exploring new air travel opportunities to facilitate seamless connectivity and boost tourism and trade between the two countries. KTTOAN members, specializing in serving Korean tourists in Nepal and Nepalese tourists in South Korea, are dedicated to enhancing the tourism experience and strengthening bilateral relations.

The launch of the Nepal-Korea Diplomatic Relationship Golden Jubilee edition and a trekking route map in the Korean language marked the occasion, symbolizing the shared commitment of Nepal and South Korea to deepen their longstanding friendship and cooperation.

About KTTOAN:

The Korea Tours and Trekking Operator Association of Nepal (KTTOAN) has been a pivotal player in enhancing tourism exchanges between Nepal and South Korea since its registration on March 27, 2017. Comprising travel and trekking agents registered under the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal, KTTOAN focuses on providing quality services, competitive pricing, and ensuring safety for Korean tourists visiting Nepal and Nepalese tourists exploring South Korea.

"Our mission is to promote Nepal Tourism among Korean people and Korea Tourism among Nepalese," states KTTOAN, highlighting its commitment to fostering bilateral tourism exchanges. By encouraging its members to adhere to good business practices, KTTOAN plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards in the tourism sector.

The association's efforts have significantly contributed to the development and promotion of Nepal's tourism industry. Through its members, KTTOAN continuously works towards upgrading the quality of tourist services, thus enhancing the overall experience for travelers visiting Nepal from South Korea and vice versa.

The Association is dedicated to offering top-notch services to our Korean guests. To achieve this, training sessions are conducted for local guides proficient in Korean and provide Korean food preparation classes to the members' staff. Additionally, in collaboration with the Korean Embassy in Nepal and local lodges, shelter homes have been established in various key trekking areas across Nepal. These shelter homes are designed to provide immediate assistance to Korean tourists during challenging times, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout their journey.

KTTOAN's strategic approach and dedication to promoting tourism exchanges between Nepal and South Korea underscore its importance as a key player in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.