KATHMANDU, MAY 23
A team from Kipling Travel, a prominent travel company based in Denmark, recently embarked on an extensive Familiarization (FAM) trip to Nepal, aiming to strengthen tourism ties and enhance their product knowledge of this diverse destination. Kipling Travel has been promoting Nepal in Denmark and Europe for over 20 years.
This year, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, Kipling Travel’s exclusive partner in Nepal, organized the FAM trip from May 17 to May 21. The team, led by Kipling Travel’s proprietor Lars Gundersen, included members from Sales, Finance, and Operations. Mr. Gundersen, a notable figure in Nepal-Denmark relations, has served at the Nepalese consulate in Copenhagen and is an honorary member of the Danish-Nepalese Society.
The trip commenced on May 17 with the team landing in Kathmandu and checking into Hotel Marshyangdi in the heart of Thamel, a bustling tourist hub. On May 18, the group flew via helicopters from Fishtail Air and Heli Everest from Kathmandu to Lukla due to weather conditions. They visited Hotel Everest View in Syangboche for breakfast, hiked to Namche Bazaar for lunch at Yeti Home, and spent the night at Bodhi. On May 19, the team returned to Kathmandu by helicopter and flew to Pokhara with Buddha Air, spending the night at Annapurna Royal Camp near Begnas Lake. The following day, May 20, they explored Begnas and inspected several hotels in Pokhara, including Barahi, The Pavilions Farm, and The Fishtail Lodge, before flying back to Kathmandu. The final day, May 21, included a meeting breakfast with Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure and inspections of hotels like Nepali Ghar, The Malla, and Hyatt Regency.
FAM trips are crucial for travel agents and sellers, providing first-hand information about the destination. These trips allow participants to better promote Nepal by experiencing its offerings directly. Such trips are essential for lead generation, as the insights gained can generate new business opportunities. They significantly enhance awareness of Nepal’s attractions and provide valuable direct feedback to improve services.
The success of this FAM trip was supported by Buddha Air and Fishtail Air. The team at Kipling Travel, impressed by Nepal’s cultural richness, history, and adventure opportunities, plans to use their enhanced knowledge to promote Nepal more effectively. Gundersen emphasized the importance of such trips in fostering global collaboration and enriching the travel experience for potential tourists.
Denmark and Nepal have shared strong relations for 55 years, and there is a hope to further highlight the opportunities for Danes to experience Nepal. This FAM trip not only strengthens these ties but also showcases the potential for future tourism growth and cooperation between the two countries.
