Comprising leaders and professionals from Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sector, the Advisory Committee provides guidance and insights into the association’s strategic initiatives.

PATA Nepal Chapter Advisory Committee 2026-2028:

• Dipendra Purush Dhakal, Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism;
• Prativa Pandey, Medical Director, CIWEC Hospital;
• Bijay Amatya, CEO, Kora Tours;
• Ashok Pokharel, Director & COO, Shangri-La Tours;
• Deepak Raj Joshi, Former CEO, Nepal Tourism Board;
• Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Managing Director & Founder, Himalayan Holidays;
• Bikram Pandey, Founder, BuddhistCircuits.com;
• Shiva Dhakal, Managing Director, Royal Mountain Travel.

PATA Nepal Chapter Chairman Narendra Bhatta and the Executive Committee thanked each member for accepting their appointment to the Advisory Committee. 

“We look forward to their valued guidance as we work together to continue advancing responsible and sustainable tourism in Nepal,” the Executive Committee stated.

(Source: PATA Nepal Chapter)

The post PATA Nepal Chapter recruits advisors appeared first on TTR Weekly.

It sets out a framework for greater collaboration in tourism research, knowledge exchange and professional engagement.

“Research and reliable tourism intelligence are increasingly important to understanding how our industry is changing and to supporting better-informed decisions across destinations and the wider tourism sector,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “TTRA brings together an extensive community of researchers, academics and tourism professionals with a strong commitment to advancing the use of research. This partnership provides an opportunity for PATA and TTRA to share knowledge, connect our networks and create greater opportunities for our members to learn from one another.”

Under the agreement, PATA and TTRA will collaborate across the following sectors.

Events and knowledge sharing: Mutual support for relevant events and activities, including opportunities for qualified speakers to participate in each organisation’s programmes and for representatives to attend selected events.

Knowledge exchange: Opportunities to exchange knowledge and perspectives on issues relevant to travel and tourism research, planning and development.

Marketing and communications: Mutual promotion of relevant events and activities through member newsletters and other digital communication channels, where applicable.

Professional engagement: Greater opportunities for members and representatives of both organisations to connect, share expertise and engage with developments shaping the travel and tourism sector.

Through these activities, the partnership will provide a platform for greater interaction between PATA’s Asia Pacific tourism network and TTRA’s global community of tourism researchers, practitioners, academics and industry professionals.

TTRA CEO Kathleen Palmer noted: “TTRA is committed to building meaningful global connections that strengthen the exchange of tourism research, knowledge, and ideas. Our partnership with PATA creates exciting opportunities to connect our communities and expand the reach and impact of the work being done across both organisations.”

About PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to advancing a meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy. Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Bangkok, the Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

About TTRA
The Travel and Tourism Research Association is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the travel and tourism industry through impactful research, education, and collaboration. It provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering innovation. For more information, visit www.ttra.com.

(Source: PATA)

The post Tourism associations share research appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The chapter appointed Narendra Deo Bhatta, Managing Director of Heritage Tours & Travel, as chairman. He succeeds Khem Lakai, who has served as Chairman since 6 June 2024 and remains on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chairman.

The AGM also elected Romi Aryal, Managing Director of Square Hotel, as General Secretary, and Prakash Chandra Lohani, Chairman of Alpine Rescue Service, as Honorary Treasurer.

The other elected executive members are: Vijay Shrestha (Vice President, Himalaya Airlines); 

Suman Ghimire (Executive Director, Jungle Safari Lodge Pvt Ltd); 

Sunil Bahadur Bhattarai (Executive Director, Busy Bee Café); 

Maya Sakya (Director, Sales & Marketing, Park Village Hotel & Resort); Sarita Lama (Managing Director, Off the Wall Trekking Pvt Ltd); Siddhartha Bikram Thapa (Managing Director, Marcopolo Travels); Bashudev Dhungana (Managing Director, Banbas Chitwan).

Seven Proxy Members were also elected to the Executive Committee:

• Dinesh Maharjan (CEO, HighGround Adventure Nepal); 
• Jan Bishwokarma (Executive Director, Khumbila Hotel); 
• Sanjay Bhakta Mathema (President, Go Travels Nepal); 
• Ankit Sharma (General Manager, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort);
• Basanta Gautam (Chairman, Temple Tree Resort); 
• Prakash Lama (Managing Director, Mega Treks & Expedition); 
• Suman Maharjan (General Manager, The Plaza).

The Executive Committee also includes six public-sector members: the CEO of Nepal Tourism Board as First Vice Chairman; the Marketing Director of Nepal Airlines as Second Vice Chairman; and four Ex Officio Members, namely the Director General of the Department of Tourism, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the Corporate Director of Nepal Airlines, and a representative of Nepal Tourism Board.

At the formal ceremony, PATA Nepal Chapter also honoured individuals for their extraordinary courage, humanity, and contributions to Nepal during the recent Bhotekoshi flood crisis and beyond. 

The honorees were:

• Professor Arnold Dix, International Tunnelling and Underground-Space Specialist;
• Captain Priya Adhikari, Nepal’s First Female Helicopter Captain;
• André Lüthi, Author and President, Globetrotter;
• Dylan Dugas, World Central Kitchen;
• Rajendra Dawadi, Head Teacher, Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School;
• Bikram Karki, Search and Rescue Team Leader, Mountain Rescue Coordinator, Nepal Mountaineering Association;
• Choy Teh, Head of PR & Partnerships/ Destination Strategist at Horus Development & Consulting.

PATA Foundation Chair Andrew Jones delivered the keynote address at the AGM. He reflected on Nepal’s resilience over the years and reaffirmed that Nepal remains a priority for PATA, which will continue to support the country through these challenging times. He also highlighted the PATA Foundation’s Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund, including its plans to support the livelihoods of tourism workers and to support the PATA Nepal Chapter and its Student Chapter.

(Source: Pacific Asia Travel Association Nepal Chapter)

The post PATA Nepal Chapter elects executive committee appeared first on TTR Weekly.

It marks a significant step toward strengthening collaboration and establishing a framework for both organisations to work together to support industry development, foster innovation, and enhance policy dialogue in an increasingly digital tourism landscape.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “ATTIA’s role in shaping policy to support the evolving intersection of tourism and technology is highly commendable. Their efforts closely align with PATA’s commitment to advancing a more sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystem, making this partnership a natural fit.”

He added, “Our intersecting networks have also played a key role in bringing us together, motivating us to deliver greater value to the wider sector jointly. I look forward to collaborating with ATTIA in advocating for a more resilient, innovative, and connected industry across Asia Pacific.”

ATTIA Managing Director Mark Chan noted: “PATA’s reach and its ability to bring together governments, destinations and the wider travel industry are exceptional. By combining that network with ATTIA’s policy expertise and the perspectives of leading travel technology companies, this partnership can help translate industry experience into practical dialogue and better-informed policymaking as travel continues to evolve”.

Under the agreement, PATA and ATTIA will collaborate across key areas.

Events and Knowledge Sharing: Mutual support for conferences, webinars, and industry activities, including opportunities for speaking engagements and cross-participation.

Marketing and Communications: Joint promotion of initiatives, sharing of tourism insights, and amplification of each other’s activities through digital platforms and communication channels.

Industry Engagement and Advocacy: Strengthening dialogue around policy and innovation to support a more connected, resilient, and forward-looking tourism sector.

(Source: PATA)

The post PATA and ATTIA team up through an MOU appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Wood was nominated by the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC) and elected by representatives of JFCCT member chambers on 11 September. The JFCCT Presidents’ Council ratified his appointment at its meeting this week at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit on 16 September 2026. 

The appointment comes during JFCCT’s 50th anniversary year. Established in 1976, JFCCT has developed into the principal umbrella organisation representing the foreign chamber community in Thailand. Today it brings together 29 foreign chambers and two business associations, collectively representing around 8,000 companies operating across the Thai economy.

JFCCT promotes trade and foreign investment, encourages skills development and knowledge transfer, and contributes to Thailand’s economic development through close engagement with the Royal Thai Government and leading public and private-sector organisations.

JFCCT is led by chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, supported by Vice Chairs Supareak Dr Charlie Chomchan and Ravi Sehgal. 

Specialist committees support its work, covering Digital Economy/ICT, Education & Skills, International Trade, SME, Sustainable Development, and Tourism.

The Tourism Committee brings together industry expertise from across JFCCT’s member chambers, develops consensus on key tourism issues and engages with government agencies and industry bodies on matters affecting Thailand’s visitor economy.

“Tourism reaches far beyond hotels and holidays. It supports aviation, transport, investment, employment, retail, restaurants and communities throughout Thailand,” Wood said.

“My priority will be to strengthen the Tourism Committee as an active, visible and constructive voice, bringing together the expertise within JFCCT and working collaboratively with government and the private sector. Thailand has an extraordinary tourism industry, but maintaining its competitiveness requires us to listen, anticipate change and continually improve.”

Wood has lived in Thailand since 1991 and brings more than four decades of international hospitality and tourism experience to the position. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, his career has included senior hotel management positions in Europe and Thailand, together with longstanding involvement in tourism industry organisations.

He succeeds Anthony ‘Tony’ Hoglund (Amadeus), who chaired the Tourism Committee during the previous term.

Wood expressed his appreciation to SATCC President Karel ‘Kallie’ de Lange and the Chamber for their nomination and support.

Andrew J Wood

The post Wood chairs JFCCT tourism committee appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The result comes as Australians took a record 12.76 million overseas trips over the same period, new Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) Travel Trends data shows. 

Outbound travel grew 3.5% for the year, while international visitor arrivals reached 9.07 million, up 6.9%. Vietnam was the fastest-growing destination overall, Indonesia remains the most popular, and New Zealand remains Australia’s largest visitor market. 

The findings come from the ATIA September 2026 Travel Trends Report, based on ABS and Department of Infrastructure data analysed by ATIA. 

Reporting periods: overseas arrivals and departures to July 2026; international airline market share to May 2026; domestic airline capacity for June 2026. 

Japan nears a new high 

Japan is on track to become the next market to cross the 1 million mark, following in New Zealand’s footsteps. Australian visitor numbers there climbed 8.5% to July, edging closer to the milestone with each new month of data. 

Vietnam and China power an outbound boom 

Vietnam was the fastest-growing destination for Australian travellers this year, up 15.9% to 577,880 visitors. China wasn’t far behind: outbound travel there rose 13.4% to 749,130, while Chinese visitor numbers to Australia jumped 17.6% to 1,131,650, the strongest inbound growth of any market. 

Indonesia and New Zealand hold their place as favourites 

Indonesia remains the destination Australians visit most, with 1.79 million trips through July. New Zealand remains Australia’s largest visitor market, with 1.43 million arrivals over the same period, as Hong Kong (up 9.2%) also climbed the inbound rankings. 

More Australians flying than ever 

Airlines flew fuller planes than ever on Australia’s busiest domestic corridors, with load factors climbing on nine of the ten busiest routes. Melbourne-Sydney and Adelaide-Melbourne led the way, both up six percentage points to 85% full. 

Qantas and Jetstar now carry one in three international passengers travelling to and from Australia, up from a combined 30.6% a year earlier. At the same time, Malaysia Airlines was the biggest mover, climbing from 2.4% to 3.9% market share. 

Commenting on the performance, ATIA CEO Dean Long said: “Japan is knocking on the door of one million Australian visitors a year, and that’s a huge milestone for what has become one of our most popular destinations. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it cross the line in our next report. 

“Vietnam and China are where the growth is right now, and we expect airlines to keep adding capacity to the region to keep pace with that demand. 

“Indonesia and New Zealand remain the two markets our members know best, and it’s fantastic to see them holding firm as the growth story in Asia keeps building around them. Our accredited agents and tour operators are working hard every day to keep that momentum going in both directions.” 

(Source: ATIA)

The post Japan closes in on 1 million Australian visitors appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Launched during PATA’s 75^th anniversary year, the series looks ahead to the next era of tourism in the Asia Pacific region. Through documentary films, expert interviews and real-world case studies, it explores how the sector can respond to climate pressures, changing traveller expectations, rapid technological development and the need for more inclusive and resilient growth.

Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose moves beyond aspiration to spotlight organisations and people already putting these principles into practice. The films examine approaches to destination stewardship, climate action, community participation, responsible innovation, workforce development and regional cooperation.

Produced by CWP in partnership with PATA, the series features contributions from destinations, tourism organisations, educational institutions and businesses operating across the region and wider visitor economy.

Content partners featured in the series include: Hainan University-Arizona State University International Tourism College, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hong Kong Metropolitan University Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, Marianas Visitor Authority, Song Saa, The Luxury Signature, and Travelife.

The series also brings together perspectives from tourism leaders, policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs and practitioners, such as: Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Insook Lee, Executive Director for the Americas, Korea Tourism Organisation; Karen Yu, Group Editor, TTG Asia Media; Deepak Joshi, Advisor, PATA Nepal Chapter; Soon-Hwa Wong, PATA Ambassador for Greater China; and Yang Li, Head of Public Affairs, Asia Pacific, Booking.com.

Featured stories include community-led responses to overtourism in Hawaii, tourism enterprises in Lao PDR that connect conservation with local livelihoods, and destination models in the Philippines and Thailand that rethink the relationship between people, place, and prosperity. The series also follows students and educators examining how tourism can preserve cultural identity, explores how Indigenous knowledge continues to shape stewardship in the Marianas, and looks at how hospitality businesses are redefining sustainability, luxury and long-term value. Together, these films offer a glimpse into the people and ideas shaping a more thoughtful future for tourism across the Asia Pacific region.

The series reflects PATA’s commitment to advancing a meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy – one in which tourism supports long-term social, cultural, environmental and economic outcomes.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “As PATA celebrates its 75th anniversary, Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose reflects our ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge and showcasing practical solutions that support the future of tourism across the region. Through inspiring stories from destinations, businesses and communities, this series highlights how collaboration, innovation and responsible leadership can create lasting benefits for both people and places. We are proud to partner with Content With Purpose on this initiative and hope it inspires others to help shape a stronger, more resilient visitor economy.”

The series is intended for tourism professionals, destination management organisations, government and public-sector leaders, businesses, educators, researchers, students, investors and communities with a role in shaping the visitor economy.

It also supports PATA’s wider work to share knowledge, enable networking and protect tourism economy assets through innovation, collaboration and adaptability.

The digital launch follows a preview of the series at the recent PATA Travel Mart 2026, where members of the regional tourism community were given an early look at the stories and perspectives featured in the films.

Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose is now available to watch for free here

(Source: PATA)

The post Cameras champion Pacific Asia: Content with Purpose appeared first on TTR Weekly.

In a message to the association’s global membership, Oh said: 

“Our thoughts are with Nepal following the devastating flash floods of 26 August, which have caused significant loss of life and widespread damage along specific river corridors in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli areas, particularly in Rasuwa district and downstream communities. 

“Our deepest condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones, and our solidarity goes to our colleagues, their families, local communities, guides, drivers, porters, and tourism businesses directly affected by the disaster. We also extend our respect to the first responders, search and rescue teams, and all those working in extremely difficult conditions.”

“At the same time, as the situation continues to develop, it is important that we provide travellers and tourism stakeholders with an accurate picture of what has been affected — and what has not.

“The impact of the floods is significant, but it is geographically concentrated. The vast majority of Nepal remains unaffected and continues to welcome visitors. Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and the Annapurna region, the Everest and Khumbu region, Chitwan, Bardiya, Lumbini and the Terai, as well as Nepal’s airports and major tourism infrastructure, continue to operate. The affected areas are concentrated along specific corridors, including parts of Rasuwa, Langtang and the Bhote Koshi, where search and rescue and recovery operations are ongoing.

“For international travellers and the tourism industry, this distinction matters. Nepal is a country of extraordinary geographic and cultural diversity, and conditions in one river corridor should not be taken to represent the situation across the entire country. We therefore encourage travel businesses, media, travellers and other tourism stakeholders to rely on verified information and to assess travel plans based on the specific destination or route concerned.

“For Nepal’s tourism community, continued responsible travel to unaffected destinations is also an important way of standing with the country at this difficult time. Tourism provides livelihoods for millions of people, and continued visitor activity in destinations that remain operational can help sustain businesses, workers and communities. At the same time, recovery efforts focus on the areas most directly affected.

“Nepal has been part of the PATA family since our earliest years. The PATA Nepal Chapter and Student Chapter are among the most active in our network, and our connections across the country extend far beyond our membership. At a time like this, our responsibility is to stand alongside our colleagues, their families and communities, while also helping ensure that Nepal’s tourism economy can continue to support livelihoods and contribute to recovery.”

OH’s message identifies two support paths

Give to the Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund

The PATA Foundation’s Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund will be live shortly, focused on recovering tourism livelihoods — the guides, drivers and porters, and the families running the homestays, lodges, teahouses and small hotels along the affected corridor. Many of these families have lost their premises and their equipment as well as their homes, and with them the income they would have earned this season. Helping them rebuild is how income returns to the affected communities, and it is work our industry is well placed to support.

“This is where we are asking members, their customers and their networks to direct support.”

Oh confirmed the association will share the donation route through PATA’s channels and on patafoundation.org, which he asked members to be ready to pass it on to their own customers and networks.

“If your organisation would like to contribute directly, or discuss a larger commitment, write to foundation@pata.org now, and we will come back to you.”

Check what you are telling travellers about Nepal

“As set out above, the effects of the floods are concentrated along one river corridor. International coverage has not consistently made that distinction, and trips are being cancelled to parts of Nepal that were not affected. This is also the main planning and booking season for travel to the country, which makes the accuracy of published information particularly important at this moment,” Oh concluded

Where to get accurate information

NepalNow — the Nepal Tourism Board’s live travel information page, updated daily, with destination-by-destination status, a corridor map, traveller FAQs and emergency contacts: nepalnow.travel

Rely on figures issued by Nepal Police and the NDRRMA, and do not repeat unverified numbers.

PATA Nepal Chapter —  www.pata.org.np 

The Chapter will confirm operating conditions in the affected region as the situation stabilises. Chairman

Contact PATA Foundation

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)Foundation enquiries: foundation@pata.org 

(Source: PATA)

The post PATA members mobilise to support Nepal’s recovery appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The collaboration brings together MATTA’s extensive network of travel and tourism industry players with Alibaba Cloud’s expertise in cloud computing, AI and digital technologies. The partnership aims to help tourism businesses become more innovative, competitive, and digitally ready in an increasingly technology-driven global tourism landscape.

Under the MoU, both parties will explore a range of initiatives, including adopting AI-powered digital solutions among MATTA members, capacity-building and training programmes, SME digital enablement, tourism marketing and promotion, smart tourism initiatives, industry research and development, and participation in industry events and knowledge-sharing programmes.

A key focus of the collaboration will be encouraging MATTA members, particularly small and medium-sized travel enterprises (SMEs), to leverage emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, data analytics, e-commerce and cybersecurity to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, marketing capabilities and overall business competitiveness.

The collaboration will also explore Alibaba Cloud’s AI technologies, including its proprietary AI model Qwen and all-in-one workplace AI agent QwenWork, to support the digitalisation of travel businesses and develop practical AI applications relevant to the tourism sector. These technologies could support tourism businesses across areas such as customer engagement, productivity, content creation and personalised digital experiences, helping them translate AI capabilities into practical business applications.

MATTA and Alibaba Cloud will also explore opportunities to jointly organise workshops, seminars, certification programmes and other knowledge-sharing initiatives to equip tourism industry professionals with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The MoU also provides a framework for both parties to explore tourism marketing initiatives through Alibaba’s digital ecosystem and platforms, including potential cross-border digital marketing opportunities to promote Malaysian tourism products and destinations to international travellers.

MATTA President Nigel Wong said the collaboration reflects MATTA’s commitment to ensuring that Malaysia’s travel and tourism industry remains future-ready and able to harness the opportunities presented by AI and digital technologies.

“Digital transformation is no longer an option but an important component of the future competitiveness of the travel and tourism industry. Through this collaboration with Alibaba Cloud, MATTA hopes to provide our members with greater access to knowledge, technology and practical solutions that can help them improve productivity, enhance customer experiences and grow their businesses.”

He added that the partnership would also support MATTA’s broader efforts to promote innovation and technology adoption across the tourism ecosystem.

Choong Hon Keat, Deputy General Manager of Southeast Asia Region, General Manager of Malaysia, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, said:

“AI and cloud technologies are creating new opportunities for tourism businesses to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer engagement and deliver more personalised digital experiences. Through our collaboration with MATTA, we look forward to bringing our technology capabilities and expertise closer to its extensive network of members, particularly SMEs, and supporting them in exploring practical ways to harness AI for innovation and growth.”

The collaboration will initially focus on exploring and developing mutually beneficial initiatives, with specific programmes and projects to be further agreed upon by both parties from time to time.

Through this partnership, MATTA and Alibaba Cloud aim to contribute towards building a more digitally capable, innovative and technology-driven Malaysian tourism industry, while creating new opportunities for travel businesses to compete effectively in the evolving global tourism landscape.

(Source: MATTA)

The post MATTA and Alibaba join forces appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Founded in 1950, Club Med operates 69 premium resorts worldwide and has established a global sales network spanning six continents and over 40 countries and regions.

Club Med’s products include sun‑and‑beach destinations, mountain and ski locations, and near‑urban destinations. For its mountain‑and‑ski offerings, Club Med has a presence in all four of the world’s major ski destinations: the European Alps, Hokkaido in Japan, North America and Northeast China. 

Club Med has a 76-year brand heritage, a premium all-inclusive resort model and a distinctive G.O. (Gentils Organisateurs, or “Gracious Organisers”) culture. These qualities enable Club Med to provide guests with immersive vacation experiences characterised by active participation and emotional connection. 

Leveraging Club Med’s brand influence and global operating capabilities, ClubMed Lifestyle Group expands its vacation offerings through an asset-light model, including Integrated Vacation Destinations and Cultural-Tourism Complexes, as it continues to build diversified vacation lifestyles. With the mission of “Better Vacation, Better Life”, it is committed to delivering high-quality vacation experiences to guests worldwide.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “We are delighted to welcome ClubMed Lifestyle Group as a Global Member. For more than seven decades, Club Med has helped shape the global leisure travel landscape, building a trusted premium brand with a worldwide footprint and a strong reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Through its combination of world-class resort operations, innovative vacation concepts and expanding lifestyle offerings, ClubMed Lifestyle Group reflects the dynamism and long-term vision that are driving the future of Travel & Tourism.”

Fosun International, Chairman of ClubMed Lifestyle Group, CEO Xiaoliang Xu said: “We look forward to engaging in business discussions with tourism business leaders and experts from across the globe. We hope to explore more collaboration opportunities and jointly identify the future development directions of the tourism industry.”

(Source: World Travel & Tourism Council)

The post WTTC recruits ClubMed as global member appeared first on TTR Weekly.