Six more international airlines to fly to Nepal

Six more international airlines to fly to Nepal

The recently declared ceasefire between the government and Maoist rebels has brought good news to the tourism industry. As tourists from around the world stream toward Nepal as a result of the improved political situation, a half dozen international airlines are planning to lure the swelling number of passengers to Nepal.

The airlines - GMG Bangladesh, Orient Thai, Air Arabia, Korean Air, Etihad, and Sri Lankan Airlines are set to hit Nepal as their new destination.

GMG Bangladesh Airlines said it would conduct flights on the Dhaka-Kathmandu route by the next month. "The airlines has plans to operate three flights a week starting from October 25," said Joy Dewan, managing director of Zenith Travels, general sales agent for GMG Bangladesh in Nepal.

Orient Thai Airlines, a budget airline from Thailand, and Air Arabia, a national budget airline of United Arab Emirates (UAE) have filed applications at the Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) for permission to fly to Nepal. "We are evaluating their applications," said an official at MoCTCA.

Orient Thai has asked Nepal's approval to operate three flights a week on the Bangkok-Kathmandu route. Air Arabia has requested the government to allow it to operate seven flights a week from Sharjah to Kathmandu. These are the first budget airlines planning to fly to Nepal. Korean Air is all set to operate direct-chartered flights to Kathmandu from Incheon, South Korea from November 13 for three-and-a-half months.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has permitted it to operate a total of 15 scheduled flights, one per week "After completing these chartered flights, the airline will operate regular scheduled flights if it gets the response it expects," KP Sitaula, coordinator of Association of Non-resident Nepalis in Korea, who was recently in the capital to make necessary preparations for the airline?s flights, said. The government has already granted Eithad Airways, the national airline of UAE permission to operate four flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu. "It may send the flight schedule any time," said the official at MoCTCA.

Sri Lankan Airlines has also shown keen interest in flying to Nepal via New Delhi. However, lack of air seats is causing its interest to decline. Nepal agreed to provide 300 seats every week from Delhi during a recent review in the air service agreement (ASA), below from 500 seats demanded by the airline. "We are told that both countries are going to review ASA again in October.

The Nepali government has assured the airline it will increase air seats during the ASA review," said a source at the airline. "It will begin operation to Nepal as soon as it gets the demanded air seats." Operation of new airlines is expected to boost Nepali tourism industry that badly needs more international flights to lure tourists.

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Eco Everest Expedition 2008 launches from Everest Base Camp

Eco Everest Expedition 2008 launches from Everest Base Camp

Climate change is affecting people around the globe, and this is especially evident at the top of the world, around Mount Everest and other great peaks of the Himalayas. Glaciers are shrinking leaving behind glacial lakes with massive amounts of water threatening people and land downstream. The loss of ice and snow heralds water problems for the 1.45 billion people living in the great water basins of the Himalayan rivers. This is the message given by the 11 member climbing team of the Eco Everest Expedition 2008 when they met at Everest Base Camp on 18th April to mark the start of their climb with a traditional Buddhist religious ceremony, called puja. Dr Schild, Director General of ICIMOD, handed over the ICIMOD Silver Jubilee flag to Dawa Steven Sherpa, the leader of the climbing team, to take to the top of the world. A premier of a photo exhibition, 50 Years of Change – Glaciers, Landscapes, People and Resilience in the Mount Everest Region, Nepal is taking place at Base Camp at the same time. The exhibition includes a unique collection of repeat panoramas of mountains, valleys and glaciers taken in the 1950s, and retaken in the past few years. These photographs demonstrate the changes in the climatic, cultural and physical landscape of the Khumbu over the past half century. The exhibition will be unveiled at Everest Base Camp and will then tour several European countries.The Eco Everest expedition is the brainchild of Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking, shocked by his own experience of ice collapse in the Khumbu ice fall, and the realisation of the impacts of climate change. Dawa Steven and Asian Trekking have joined with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development – ICIMOD – and the United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP – in a plan to use the climb to draw the world's attention to the problems resulting from climate change and the need to help the people of the region, and the world. ICIMOD has been working for 25 years for the mountains and people of the Hindu Kush-Himalayas, 2008 marks its 'Silver Jubilee'. The Expedition is one of a number of events being held to celebrate this milestone. The expedition will also field test an ecofriendly approach to climbing, including a ten-point plan that could be used as a basis for international certification for environmentally friendly climbing expeditions. The expedition plans to bring down garbage left by other groups, and will encourage others to do the same. The climbing team is being supported by the renowned Japanese conservationist Ken Noguchi, who is expected to visit the Everest Base Camp. The expedition is endorsed by world renowned mountaineers including Reinhold Messner, Conrad Anker, and Peter Habelar, and is also supported by the Nepal Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tourism Board, and Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and numerous local, regional, and international organisations.Parallel to the climbing expedition, scientific research is being carried out to monitor glaciers and glacial lakes in the region and gather information to help communities and develop early warning systems. A six-member research team led by Basanta Shrestha of ICIMOD is already in Khumbu to start the work. A pilot early warning system will be implemented for Imja lake, one of the fastest growing lakes in the region, in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Keio University of Japan. The scientists have already carried out investigations to assess the status of Dig Tsho glacial lake, which had a devastating impact when it burst in 1985.A Trust Fund has been set up to support development of early warning systems, scientific investigations to help assess risks, monitoring of the melting glaciers, and removal and disposal of waste in eco friendly ways. Every climber on the expedition has contributed to the fund and contributions are now being solicited from interested individuals and organisations.ICIMOD's new strategy focuses on understanding the impacts of climate change, and finding ways to strengthen people's resilience and support adaptation. Says Dr. Andreas Schild, Director General of ICIMOD: "The changes taking place currently are alarming, and the time to act is now." While climate change is mostly caused by the highly industrialised parts of the world, the effects are already taking their toll in the sensitive mountain areas. Climate change needs global measures of mitigation, regionally focused measures of adaptation, and targeted measures to strengthen the resilience of the mountain people. "We want to build up a system of early warning of risks from glacial lake outbursts. We want to discuss and prepare measures to strengthen the resilience and adaptation of people to climate change. This means livelihoods, conservation of biodiversity, and maintenance of the landscape as a global heritage. Conservation and management of water has the highest priority," concludes Dr Schild.

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Notice for Participation in Travel Trade Fairs

Notice for Participation in Travel Trade Fairs

S.N	Fair/Mart	Date	Basic Participation Fee (Nrs)	Deadline for Application	No. of Partici pants	Contact
1	China Sales Mission	Last Week of May 2008	65,000/-	May 11, 2008	8	kashiraj@ntb.org.np
2	Australia Sales Mission	May 26-30, 2008	USD 1000/-	May 2, 2008	8	kashiraj@ntb.org.np
3	KOTFA, Seoul, South Korea	June 5-8, 2008	50,000/-	May 9, 2008	4	kashiraj@ntb.org.np
4	SEA Road Show (Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur)	June 9-14, 2008	*USD 500/-	May 2, 2008	12	sshrestha@ntb.org.np
5	Japan/US Sales Mission	June 17-26, 2008	USD 2500/-	May 2, 2008	12	rkhanal@ntb.org.np

*For participation in additional cities of Penang, Johar Baru and Chaing Mai, extra participation fee will be USD 150/-

All tourism companies registered with Government of Nepal are encouraged to apply and participate. Application form for participation is available with Nepal Tourism Board. (The forms can be received on e-mail or downloaded from our website)

Duly filled up forms should be submitted to Accounts Unit, Corporate Services Department, NTB along with full participation fees before the deadline. Participation shall be allowed on first come- first served basis.

Note: Travel, hotel and visa arrangements will have to be made by the participants themselves.

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ICIMOD repeats study on Himalayan Glacier

ICIMOD repeats study on Himalayan Glacier

ICIMOD repeats study on Himalayan Glacier: Research Team revisits the 1985 Dig Tsho GLOF site in Khumbu As part of the ongoing Eco Everest expedition (www.ecoeverest.net.np), an ICIMOD research team led by Basanta Shrestha revisited the Dig Tsho GLOF site in the Langmoche and Bhote Koshi valleys to study the conditions of the Dig Tsho glacial lake and downstream river banks 23 years after the lake burst out on 4 August 1985. The first results have just been communicated from the remote valley when the team reached a contact point on 15 April. Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) continue to be a real threat in the Himalayan region as a result of continued glacier retreat accompanied by development of lakes, aggravated by climate change. ICIMOD, together with national institutions, is continuing its work on identifying and monitoring lakes with a potential to cause GLOFs. Lakes will be mapped and monitored in a stepwise approach using satellite imagery and remote sensing, field investigations of lake sites to determine the GLOF risk, and downstream vulnerability assessments of communities and infrastructure that could be damaged. Satellite images indicate that the Dig Tsho has reached a stable state. The expedition could see on the ground that even if the steep Langmoche glacier retreats further, the lake won't grow as only bed rock will be exposed. The present outlet of the lake is at the same level as the Langmoche river bed, and there is no longer any likelihood of a mass failure at the breach area blocking the outlet. Thus it is very unlikely that, The memories of the 1985 GLOF are still alive. Two eyewitnesses of the 1985 GLOF, Lhakpa Chhamji Sherpa of Thameteng and Ang Maya Sherpa of Thamo, told the team how they saved their lives by running uphill when the sudden flood of black water washed away the micro hydropower house, fields, and dwellings. The debris and undercutting of river banks turned many fields into wasteland and still threatens the settlements. Several landslides triggered by the Dig Tsho outburst in the Langboche and Bhote Koshi valleys are still active as the erosion due to the flood has left the slopes extremely steep. Even though the chance of a second GLOF from Dig Tsho is slim, the threat of GLOFs in the valley remains a serious threat as there are several glacial lakes close by which are growing rapidly and could burst at some stage. Such events pose a severe threat to the livelihoods of local people and the valley economy. These lakes need to be monitored on a regular basis with in-situ measurements so that preventive measures can be taken to safeguard the mountain communities and the fragile environment. As part of the Eco-Everest Expedition, the ICIMOD scientific team will be conducting a detailed field investigation and establish a pilot early warning system for Imja lake in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Govt. of Nepal, and Keio University of Japan. An Eco-Everest Trust Fund has been set up to raise funds to finance further research, and monitoring and early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods, and to help the local community to adapt to climate change and to increase their resilience. The Eco Everest Expedition calls for contributions from all.

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Visitors Arrival in March 2008 (by air only)

Visitors Arrival in March 2008 (by air only)

Healthy Growth Continues The total arrival figures in March, 2008 reached 40032 up by 17.3 percent compared to the same month last year. This is stated in the figure released by Immigration Office, TIA. The arrival figures from all market segments are very encouraging except some Asian ones. Indian market, which has suffered a negative growth since last few months, has witnessed a growth of 9 %. Similarly Bangladesh (47 %) has also recorded a robust growth. European market as a whole has registered a very optimistic figure with whopping growths from some individual markets. The arrival growths from Denmark (178 %), Norway (83 %), Spain (64 %), Sweden (134 %) and Austria (55 %) are very noteworthy. Moreover, the UK and USA markets reflect a very promising sign of growing consumer confidence on Nepal as the UK market grew by 27 % with considerable share (10 %) and the USA rose by 42 % with 8 % contribution in the total arrivals. Most of the major tourist generating markets of Nepal shows a very encouraging picture this month despite a negative growth of Japanese market. The arrivals from France and Germany grew by 34 % and 8 % respectively. However, some emerging markets suffered this month compared to the same month last year. Malaysia, Thailand and Israel are the markets with negative growth this month. The total arrivals in the first three months grew by 16 % to 96137. The UK and USA markets are very much encouraging in terms of their share in the total arrivals and additional number of visitors in the last three months over the same period last year. One of the reasons of continued growth in tourist arrivals is the stable political situation and consumer's confidence on Nepal. Good air connection between Kathmandu and other international cities has contributed substantially in improving tourist arrivals in Nepal.

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Notice for TIMS Certificate and Visa

Notice for TIMS Certificate and Visa

This is to inform that Information Center of Nepal Tourism Board will open on April 7, 8, 9 & 11, 2008 from 11 am to 3pm for the distribution of. TIMS Certificate. Nepal Tourism Board will be closed on April 10, 2008. Visa and Trekking Agency Sections of Department of Immigration will also open on April 7, 8 & 11, 2008 from 11 am to 2 pm. It will be closed completely on April 9 & 10, 2008 on the occasion of Constituent Assembly Election. For more information, please contact us at 977-1-4225709 or at 977-9851077385

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Visitors Arrival in March 2008 (by air only)

Visitors Arrival in March 2008 (by air only)

Healthy Growth ContinuesThe total arrival figures in March, 2008 reached 40032 up by 17.3 percent compared to the same month last year. This is stated in the figure released by Immigration Office, TIA. The arrival figures from all market segments are very encouraging except some Asian ones. Indian market, which has suffered a negative growth since last few months, has witnessed a growth of 9 %. Similarly Bangladesh (47 %) has also recorded a robust growth.European market as a whole has registered a very optimistic figure with whopping growths from some individual markets. The arrival growths from Denmark (178 %), Norway (83 %), Spain (64 %), Sweden (134 %) and Austria (55 %) are very noteworthy. Moreover, the UK and USA markets reflect a very promising sign of growing consumer confidence on Nepal as the UK market grew by 27 % with considerable share (10 %) and the USA rose by 42 % with 8 % contribution in the total arrivals.Most of the major tourist generating markets of Nepal shows a very encouraging picture this month despite a negative growth of Japanese market. The arrivals from France and Germany grew by 34 % and 8 % respectively.However, some emerging markets suffered this month compared to the same month last year. Malaysia, Thailand and Israel are the markets with negative growth this month.The total arrivals in the first three months grew by 16 % to 96137. The UK and USA markets are very much encouraging in terms of their share in the total arrivals and additional number of visitors in the last three months over the same period last year.One of the reasons of continued growth in tourist arrivals is the stable political situation and consumer's confidence on Nepal. Good air connection between Kathmandu and other international cities has contributed substantially in improving tourist arrivals in Nepal.

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