The HTM Conference assembles a dynamic lineup of national and international thought leaders, speakers, experts, hospitality professionals, influencers, renowned adventurers, personalities, buyers, exhibitors, media professionals, delegates, and industry stakeholders; engaging in discussions and sharing unparalleled insights on contemporary issues, trends, challenges, and opportunities in tourism development.

HTM 2025 CONFERENCE

Theme: “Mountains, Milestones & Momentum”

Tuesday, June. 03, 2025 | Venue : The Soaltee Kathmandu

08:45-09:30 Gathering of Invitees / Delegates & Registration.

09:30-09:40 Master of Ceremony welcomes Guests & Delegates | National Anthem

09:40-09:50 Welcome Speech by Mr. Kem Lakai, Chairman-PATA Nepal Chapter

09:50 -10:50 Plenary Session

Theme: "Mountains, Milestones & Momentum"

Opening Remarks & Introduction of Panel Speakers:

Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO – Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)

Panel Speakers:

Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO – Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Mr. Andrew Jones, PATA Life Member | Guardian, Sanctuary Resorts, Hong Kong
Ms. Nisha Adhikari, Actress, Filmmaker, and Everest Summiteer
Mr. Shahid Hamid, Chairman – PATA Bangladesh Chapter

Moderator:

Ms. Sharanjit Leyl, Former BBC World News Presenter & Producer

10:50-11:10 Planning, Marketing & Execution of Spiritual Tours

Speaker:

Mr. Deepak Singh, Chairman- PATA New England Chapter | President, Spiritual Journeys, USA

11:10-11:30 Refreshment Break (Tea/Coffee)

11:30 -12:30 Plenary Session on:

"Mountains, Milestones & Momentum: Cross-Sector Synergies for Sustainable Tourism Growth!"

Proposed Speaker:

Mr. Anand Jha, Vice President, Head of Govt. Engagement for India and South Asia, VISA Inc.
Mr. Amar Agarwal, Founder, Bagaichā
Mr. Rajendra Bdr Singh, Aviation Entrepreneur & Member High-Level Government Committee for Aviation Reform
Dr. Suvash Dawadi, MDGPEM, DIMM, General Practitioner-CIWEC Hospital & Travel Medicine Center
Mr. Sudarshan Chapagain, Vice President-The Soaltee Hotels & Resorts
Ms. Aayusha Parsain, CEO- Community Homestay Network (CHN)

Moderator:

Mr. Ashok Chandra Pokharel, Managing Director -Himalayan Journeys & Shangrila Tours

12:30 -12:50 "Cultural Intelligence in the Global Hospitality Industry"

Speaker:

Mr. Daniel Tschudy, Consultant & Journalist in global hospitality

12:50 - 14:00 Luncheon Break

14:00 - 14:10 Performance by YTPs

14:10 - 14:30 "Redefining Travel Assistance in Adventuresome Destinations: Global Insights and Cost-Effective Strategies for Nepal"

Context Setting & Introduction of Presenter:

Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, Director General – Department of Tourism, Government of Nepal

Presenter & Speaker:

Ms. Cécile Hermetz, Global Network Consultant, HC Consulting, Paris, France

14:30 - 14:40 Presentation:

Mr. Basu Dhungana, Conservationist & Owner of Banbas, Chitwan

14:40 - 15:20 Plenary Session on:

"Beyond the Himalayas: The New Face of Luxury in Nepal"

Speakers:

Ms. Angeline Tang - Account Management & Member Relations, Virtuoso, Singapore
Mr. Shridhar Thota, General Manager, Hilton kathmandu
Ms. Mausham Bohara, Founder-Amaya Sojourns

Moderator:

Mr. Upaul Majumdar, Head of Practice – Tourism for South Asia at Dolma Consulting UK

15:20 - 15:50 Refreshment Break (Tea/Coffee)

15:50 - 16:10 "Meeting the Travel Demand of the European Market"

This engaging session will offer valuable insights and practical guidance on unlocking new opportunities and promoting sustainable tourism growth to effectively meet the travel demand of the European market.

Speaker:

Ms. Nora Eichkorn, Sustainable Tourism Expert, Import Promotion Desk (IPD), Germany

16:10 - 16:30 “Conservation Efforts – Where Nepal Stands? What Next?”

Speaker

Dr. Ghanshyam Gurung, Country Director - WWF Nepal

16:30 - 16:45 Special Remarks:

Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, President - Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) & Vice Chairmen of the Federation of Associations of Indian Tourism Hospitality (FAITH)

18:15 onwards

Opening Ceremony & Welcome Dinner Reception

hosted by Nepal Tourism Board