Kathmandu, Jun. 4
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in
collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal, has
launched the 'Nepal Travel Specialist – Basic Level' online course.
"This digital initiative aims to
enhance the knowledge and service quality of tourism professionals across
Nepal's tourism value chain," the NTB said in a statement on Wednesday.
The course, developed under the Sustainable
Tourism Project (STP), a joint NTB-UNDP initiative, is hosted on NTB's
e-learning platform. It comprises 10 units covering topics such as Nepal's
geography, culture, and biodiversity, major tourism products (trekking,
adventure, heritage, wellness), sustainable tourism principles, responsible
travel practices, climate resilience, customer service skills, and visitor
engagement strategies.
The programme is tailored for tour
operators, guides, travel agents, and tourism students, serving as foundational
training for those aspiring to become certified Nepal Travel Specialists.
According to the NTB, this course provides
consistent, accurate, and accessible information about Nepal's tourism
offerings. The initiative aims to equip international travel professionals with
the knowledge and skills needed to promote Nepal effectively in global markets
and offers a learning platform for individuals interested in Nepal's culture,
nature, and travel opportunities.
"By fostering a skilled and informed
workforce, the course supports the sustainable growth of tourism," read
the statement.
CEO of the NTB, Deepak Raj Joshi, said that
the course is a cornerstone of their digital capacity-building efforts and that
through collaboration with UNDP.
"We are strengthening the foundations
for a more sustainable, inclusive, and professional tourism industry," he
said.
Likewise, Kyoko Yokosuka, UNDP Nepal
Resident Representative, said that the course represents a joint commitment to
enhancing livelihoods through tourism and that such digital learning tools
allow equitable access to skills and knowledge, especially for youth and
professionals in rural areas.
Key features of the course include
self-paced online modules for flexible learning, interactive multimedia content
(videos, quizzes, visual guides), and a Certificate of Completion to enhance
professional credibility.
Access to the course is free via the NTB
e-learning platform.
The NTB also said that this course
development aligns with the Government of Nepal's goal to welcome 3.5 million
tourists annually by 2032, as part of its Tourism Decade strategy.
"By investing in human capital and
e-learning platforms, NTB and UNDP aim to ensure Nepal's tourism industry
remains competitive, sustainable, and resilient in a global marketplace,"
read the statement.
The Sustainable Tourism Project
(2025-2028), jointly launched by NTB and UNDP, aims to create 2,500 jobs and
enhance tourism skills for 5,000 people, particularly women and marginalised
groups. Through infrastructure upgrades, digital innovation, and local capacity
building in priority destinations, the project supports Nepal's Tourism Decade
goal.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 June 2025.
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