ICTP proud partner with Nepal Tourism and Accessible Inclusive Tourism

The Nepal Tourism operating sector did it again. In continuation of its initiatives for Accessible – Inclusive Tourism, Kathmandu-based Four Season Travel & Tours in partnership with Gokarna Forest Resort organized an excursion to scenic Gokarna Forest in the northern foothill of Kathmandu valley.

On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a few tourism partners joined hands to bring some cheers though an excursion. It was not just an outdoor excursion but a great opportunity for the Tourism service providers to interact, understand and serve the untapped segment of travelers with disabilities. In a unique program earlier this week, Four Season Travel, Gokarna Forest Resort, Washington DC-based International Development Institute, International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) together with eTurboNews (eTN) joined forces to host 18 leaders with disabilities representing various organizations.

 

Led by Pankaj Pradhananga , Director of Four Season Travel & Tours Nepal http://go-nepal.com/ who is also President of the Himalayan Chapter of  the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) and an ambassador for eTN, the participants were taken on the tour of the property visiting the rooms, facilities and its 18 hole golf course on a Golf cart. This was followed by an interaction with Vice- President of the Resort http://gokarna.com/ , Mr. Dorjee Sherpa who is a seasoned hotelier and a great supporter of accessible Tourism.

Mr. Bishal Dahal of NFD-N, Jagdish Adhikari, DHRC- Nepal, Pawan Ghimire – CABN, Nirmala Dhital – NDWA expressed their observations and gave inputs to make tourism more appealing for the people with disabilities. They showed interest in exploring the destination within Nepal and abroad provided the trips are friendly for PWDs ( People With Disabilities) and value for money is assured. Mr. Dorjee Sherpa repeated his commitment to continue working towards making his Resort accessible and disabled traveler friendly. Mr. Raju Basnet, General Secretary of National Federation of Disabled Nepal ( NFDN) gave a vote of thanks echoing the voices of earlier speakers.

The interaction was moderated by Pankaj Pradhananga who highlighted the rational for promoting Inclusive Tourism focusing on Responsible Practices. It is important to mention that Four Season Travel & Tours had successfully organized Trekking in Annapurna for a group of amputees from the USA ‘ Wounded Heroes’ in September .

This event was also supported by Nepal Tourism Board ( NTB). ” Since UNWTO is celebrating 2016 as the year for accessible Tourism with the theme of Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility, we strongly encourage local Tourism operating sectors to come forward and work towards this goal” – Mr. Sunil Sharma, Officiating Director of NTB shared his gratitude to the initiatives taken up by Four Season Travel & Tours.