Kathmandu, Sept. 27
Nepal’s Annapurna
I has been honoured as a 'World Famous Tourism Mountain' at the International
Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports Conference held in Xingyi City, Guizhou
Province, China.
The International
Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), a
global network of over 199 organisations from 38 countries dedicated to
sustainable tourism, awarded this prestigious recognition, acknowledging
Annapurna I’s natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural importance, informed
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) in a statement on Friday.
Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of NATTA, accepted the award on behalf
of the organisation in a ceremony held on Thursday.
This award,
presented under the 'Natural Orientation' category, celebrates Annapurna I as a
global destination for trekkers, climbers and nature enthusiasts. Standing at
8,091 metres above sea level, the mountain is revered for its breathtaking
landscapes and challenging routes.
The IMTA conference, themed 'Tourism and Peace',
was attended by over 400 participants from 38 countries and highlighted international cooperation in mountain tourism development.
Thapaliya said,
“This recognition confirms Nepal’s leading role in mountain tourism. It is a
tribute to Annapurna I’s global
importance and our commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices.”
According to him, NATTA had applied for Annapurna
I's certification.
Deepak Raj Joshi,
CEO of NTB, provided the necessary authority for NATTA’s submission, while past
president Achyut Guragain encouraged the initiative.
Annapurna I's recognition goes beyond its natural grandeur;
it also highlights Nepal’s conservation efforts through the Annapurna
Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the
country’s largest protected area, which promotes a balance between
environmental preservation and local socio-economic development, read the
statement by NATTA.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 September 2024.
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