KATHMANDU: Young travel and tourism entrepreneurs have expedited their campaigns to take the leadership reins of the country’s major travel body.

As the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) is gearing up for the general assembly, young entrepreneurs Yubika Bhandari and Krishna Prasad Dhakal have announced their candidacies for the positions of president and general secretary, respectively, vowing to revitalize NATTA for the betterment of the country’s travel trade industry.

“I want to build a stronger, more connected, and more respected NATTA, but this change is only possible with the trust and support of NATTA’s members,” said Bhandari, who runs Shashi’s Holidays International Travel & Tours. As a woman tourism entrepreneur, Bhandari has already served NATTA as joint treasurer, secretary, and general secretary, proving her excellence in leadership positions.

Bhandari, who is also a management expert, has vowed to prioritize global digital promotion, tourism policy reform, and addressing members’ aspirations in her election campaign.

From the same team, Dhakal has announced his candidacy for the post of general secretary. Dhakal, a young tourism entrepreneur and expert, is associated with Muktinath Multi-Venture companies and runs Desire Nepal Treks, Travel & Tours.

“I want to utilize my decades-long experience to revitalize NATTA for the betterment of its members,” Dhakal said, adding that his candidacy also aims for the transformation of NATTA, which has long been called for. Through global marketing, Nepal’s travel trade businesses will certainly gain heights, Dhakal said. His candidacy is also focused on uplifting the tourism business through close coordination with the government and other stakeholders.

Dhakal, who also serves as a member of NATTA’s executive board, has successfully shouldered the responsibility of coordinating and leading Nepal's participation in international travel fairs.

NATTA’s annual general meeting is slated for August 14.