Nepali travel delegates, representing various private sector companies, have strongly criticized the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the event organizer, Reed Exhibitions, for the poorly located Nepali pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023. The event, held from November 6 to 8 at ExCeL London, is a significant global travel fair.
Exhibitors, including representatives from travel agencies, trekking companies, airlines, and hotels, expressed severe disappointment over the pavilion’s placement in what they described as a ‘dead spot’ or ‘dark spot’. They reported that the stall was situated in an unfavorable location, near a café and directly under an escalator, resulting in significantly low foot traffic. This poor visibility made it challenging to attract visitors and effectively promote Nepal as a tourist destination.
The delegates argue that the substantial investment made by the participating companies, ranging from NRS 200,000 to NRS 600,000, was largely wasted due to the ineffective location. They claim that the pavilion’s position hindered their ability to engage with potential clients and conduct business, leading to considerable financial losses. The private sector delegates are now demanding a refund from the NTB, citing a failure to provide adequate promotional space for their investment.
Nepal Tourism Board CEO, Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, acknowledged the delegates’ complaints. He stated that the NTB had communicated with the organizers, Reed Exhibitions, regarding the issue. According to Dr. Regmi, the organizers attributed the poor location to high demand for stalls and assured that such problems would be avoided in future events. The NTB has conveyed its dissatisfaction to the organizers and is exploring options for compensation or a refund for the affected Nepali exhibitors.
This incident has raised concerns among Nepali travel industry stakeholders about the effectiveness of their participation in major international travel fairs and the support provided by national tourism bodies in ensuring optimal visibility and promotion for the country.
Key Points
- Event Dates: November 6 to 8
- Event Edition: 51st edition of World Travel Market (WTM) London
- Participants: 57 participants
- Companies Represented: 26 companies
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