Use of AI Essential for Tourism Sector Growth: NTB CEO

Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, has said that the use of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is essential for the development of Nepal’s tourism sector.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the “Technology-Friendly Tourism and AI Training” program that began on Sunday, Joshi said technological adoption has become a present-day necessity for tourism growth. The four-day training is being organized by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Programme Nepal under its sustainable tourism project.

Joshi said the increased use of technology has significantly contributed to the recent rise in the number of foreign tourists visiting Nepal. He stressed that time-relevant training on the use of modern technology is indispensable for strengthening the country’s tourism sector.

TAAN President Sagar Pandey said the AI training would play a vital role in professionally advancing Nepal’s tourism industry. He also emphasized that technology-friendly training is necessary to engage the younger generation in tourism.

TAAN Senior Vice President Karma Sherpa said AI training has become indispensable in the digital era and expressed confidence that it would significantly support the promotion of Nepal’s tourism sector.

Similarly, TAAN Chief Executive Officer Ramchandra Sedhai said the training would help boost Nepal’s mountain tourism and enhance the capacity of entrepreneurs affiliated with trekking companies.

Training coordinator and TAAN member Raju Gurung said the program includes sessions on the use of AI in tourism, destination development, capacity building and tourism safety. The first phase of the training, which started Sunday, includes participation from 30 trekking companies.

Co-coordinator and TAAN member Ambir Bahadur Gurung said such training would help promote Nepal’s tourism destinations globally. -- RSS