The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has concluded its 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday. The meeting ratified the policies, programmes, and budget for the fiscal year 2082/083.
On the occasion, Hari Prasad Mainali, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, has said that the tourism sector is the main foundation of Nepal’s economic prosperity.
At the 35th annual general meeting of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, he made it clear that the current government will move forward by giving priority to the tourism sector.
Secretary Mainali expressed confidence that Nepal is a country with great potential in terms of mountaineering, and if it is promoted worldwide, the country will reap the benefits. He said, “The government is clear that the development of the tourism sector should be given priority and taken forward.” He further expressed that the Government’s firm commitment to supporting the NMA in its initiatives to further develop and promote Nepal’s mountain tourism. He also assured that all unsettled issues concerning the NMA would be addressed in due course.
“We have just witnessed and endured an extraordinary period of disruption. The nation has faced unforeseen challenges and significant transformation. Despite this, we have managed to recover quickly,” Secretary Mainali stated. “Our entrepreneurs have shown resilience and have not abandoned their efforts. We must now move ahead with strong determination. The Government stands ready to support them. As for NMA’s outstanding matters, they will be resolved in due time.”
Similarly, Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, Director General of the Department of Tourism, emphasized that everyone should be active in developing and promoting Nepal’s mountaineering sector, which has immense tourism potential. He pointed out the need to focus on protecting Himalayan tourism and civilization while minimizing the risks of climate change.
Nepal Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deepak Raj Joshi emphasized the need to ensure security to boost the tourism sector’s self-confidence.
Sagar Pandey, President of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), opined that leading organizations in the tourism sector should unite to reduce the risks of climate change for the sustainable development of mountain tourism.
On the occasion, NMA President Mr. Fur Gelje Sherpa reaffirmed that the current executive body is fully committed to the broader development of Nepal’s mountain tourism, with particular emphasis on mountaineering and rescue training, environmental conservation in the high Himalayas, and global promotion of Nepal as a premier mountain destination.
“We have numerous proposals aimed at advancing mountain tourism, supporting the welfare of mountaineers, providing educational aid to children orphaned in the mountains, and improving services for general members,” President Sherpa added. “My team and I are dedicated to turning these proposals into tangible outcomes. I sincerely request your continued support.”
Nepal Mountaineering Association President Fur Gelje Sherpa noted that a strong partnership between the government and the private sector is necessary for the development of mountain tourism.
During the opening the event, the NMA recognized the top 10 agencies of fiscal year 2081/082 for their outstanding contributions to revenue generation through the sales of NMA peak permits. The honoured agencies. The awarded companies are Nord Extreme Himalaya Pvt. Ltd., Mera Alpine Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Adventure Everest Team Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Ice Eight Thousand Pvt. Ltd., Asian Hiking Team P. Ltd., South Col Adventures P. Ltd., Seven Summit Treks P. Ltd., Satori Adventures Pvt. Ltd., Eight K. Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. And Makalu Adventures Pvt. Ltd.
Moreover, NMA also conferred Lifetime Service Awards to two of its retired staff members – Radhika Syangwa and Shree Narayan Lama in recognition of their long-standing dedication and contributions.
The awards were handed over by Hari Prasad Mainali, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, on behalf of the NMA. Nepal Mountaineering Association was established on 1 November 1973. It is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organization working as a national alpine association of Nepal to promote mountain tourism, climbing sports, protect mountain environments and preserve and promote cultural heritage of mountain people. The NMA is the only national alpine club authorized to issue climbing permits for 27 mountain peaks of Nepal.
