Seminar on Tourism Management concludes with focus on cultural dialogue

KATHMANDU: A 10-day seminar on tourism management concluded in Kathmandu today, emphasizing the integration of culture and tourism. The program was jointly organized by Ningbo Polytechnic University, China, and the Nepal-China Friendship Forum, and wrapped up with the distribution of certificates to participants and a review of key takeaways.

Prof. Dong Hong’an, Dean of the School of International Business and Travel at Ningbo Polytechnic University, highlighted the seminar’s richness and diversity, noting that it had created lasting impressions through the dialogue between culture and tourism. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained—from advanced tourism concepts and practical management techniques to an understanding of Chinese culture and tourism development models—in their professional work.

“I hope participants will serve as bridges of friendly cooperation, contributing to mutual benefit, sustainable development, and Nepal’s tourism growth,” Prof. Dong added.

Pragya Sharma, Managing Director of Outdoor Adventure Company, emphasized the need for Nepalese tourism professionals to be skilled, innovative, and globally aware. She appreciated the academic partnership between Ningbo Polytechnic University and the Nepal-China Friendship Forum and urged participants to use the knowledge and skills gained to strengthen Nepal’s tourism standards.

Shiva Adhikari, Managing Director of Adrift Adventure, added that the training would help advance adventure and river-based tourism in Nepal while fostering coordination among tourism stakeholders.

The seminar included lectures and practical sessions led by Chinese professors on topics such as sustainable tourism, homestay development, quality and service management, technology application, and cultural collaboration. Participants also visited various parts of the Kathmandu Valley to gain hands-on experience in quality tourism products.

The program offered insights into international best practices, emerging trends, and key areas such as Chinese tourist demand, digital marketing, cultural tourism development, and integrated policy frameworks.

A total of 30 participants, including officials from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and top executives from the tourism industry, attended the seminar, which aimed to enhance capacity building and foster collaboration for the sustainable growth of Nepal’s tourism sector.