The Nepal Travel and Tourism meet was held in London calling upon all to work towards promotion of quality tourism in the Himalayan kingdom.

Addressing the function organised jointly by the Friends of Britain and Nepal, Nepal Tourism Organisation (FBNNTO) and the Nepali embassy in London on Tuesday, ambassador of Nepal to UK, Murari Raj Sharma, said Nepal has picked up from the rubbles of decade-old war and is now moving towards an era of peace and hope. Saying that there were 600 species of animals, more than 800 species of birds and almost every day a festival in Nepal, the envoy asked, "Where on earth can you find such a unique natural and cultural heritage?"

Ambassador Sharma said though tourists were beginning to come back, Nepal was yet to demonstrate the passion for creativeness and assertiveness to promote tourism as is seen in other countries. "We have to develop new products and destinations, expand and improve tourism infrastructure, develop tourism-related literature in different languages," said Sharma. He recalled how Chinese and French were ahead in creating history and creating narrative behind almost all of their products and places. "We should learn from them," he added.

The Nepali envoy said Nepali travel trade entrepreneurs now needed to change the way of doing business. "We have to be more ambitious, more competitive and prepare ourselves to deal with the forces of globalization," said Sharma, adding, "Nepali embassy and staff stood ready to help Nepali and British businessmen and travel trade operators in whatever way possible."

Ambassador Sharma also launched "Himalayas, Nepal"—a periodic publication of the FBNNTO—on the occasion.

President of FBNNTO, Raja Ram Giri, said with the return of peace, there was widespread optimism in Nepal and that new opportunities had arisen in the country. Saying that nine new international airlines had started flying to Nepal last year, Giri said in order to sustain the growth in tourists arrival in the country there was a need for strong marketing and promotion. He also urged the government of Nepal and all stakeholders to come up with strong marketing strategies and concrete plans for the development of tourism potential of the country.

"Nepal is the destination so small in size but so great in its own right," said Giri

Honorary PRO of the Nepal Tourism Board n UK, Dhruba KC, said the NTB had launched "Send Home a Friend" campaign to mobilizing Non-Resident Nepalese in the promotion of country's tourism. He said while many countries are suitable to visit in particular season Nepal was for all seasons.

Merton Murrel, an officer with the South Asia unit of the UK Department of Trade and Investment and Steve Askham, Desk Officer for Nepal at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, hailed decades-old friendly relations between Nepal and UK, highlighted increasing British development assistance for Nepal and said the British government was committed to help in the overall development of Nepal and promote economic ties between the two countries.

Mrs Arati Shrestha of the FBNNTO conducted the programme while vice president of FBNNTO, Adrian Fothergill, delivered vote of thanks. Representatives of various travel and trade related companies based in UK, representatives of various Nepali organisations and media later joined in a Nepali dinner hosted in the Nepali embassy premises. Jet Airways, a leading private Indian airlines—that is running services from London to Kathmandu via Delhi-- had hosted the dinner.

Established nine years ago, FBNNTO is a voluntary body working for the promotion of Nepali travel and tourism industry in the UK.