Som Sapkota Appointed Chair of NRNA Tourism Promotion Nepal Committee
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council (ICC) has appointed Mr. Som Nath Sapkota, Spokesperson of NRNA ICC, as the Chair of the Tourism Promotion Nepal Committee (TPNC) for the 2025–2027 tenure. This appointment recognizes his long-standing dedication, leadership, and global contributions to promoting Nepal’s tourism. NRNA has similarly appointed several other committees and task forces during this tenure, reflecting the organization’s commitment to structured development, diaspora engagement, and global outreach.
Mr. Sapkota has been actively involved in tourism promotion for over a decade. He was a member of the Tourism Promotion Committee in 2011 and served as Chair in the previous tenure. Over the years, he has held notable positions including Honorary Public Relations Representative (HPRR) of the Nepal Tourism Board for Denmark (2016) and Malta (2021). In 2022, he was designated Tourism Goodwill Ambassador for Wales, and in 2023, appointed Tourism Promoter by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. Additionally, he continues to serve as a Tourism Promoter for Wales.
He has led major international campaigns such as the Visit Nepal Europe Campaign (2017) and coordinated global outreach following natural disasters to support tourism recovery. Currently, he serves as International Coordinator for the Buddha Circuit Municipalities, promoting Buddha heritage sites and associated cultural landmarks worldwide. His efforts have strengthened collaboration between NRNA, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, earning him recognition from NTB and multiple social organizations.
As Spokesperson of NRNA ICC, Mr. Sapkota brings extensive experience, strong global networks, and a clear strategic vision to his role as Chair of TPNC. The committee’s vision is to position Nepal as a premier destination for adventure, cultural, spiritual, and wellness tourism, under the motto: “Bring the World to Nepal and Take Nepal to the World.” Its mission focuses on mobilizing the global Nepali diaspora as tourism ambassadors, expanding international outreach, and enhancing Nepal’s visibility worldwide.
The TPNC will focus on strategic goals including developing a global NRN Tourism Ambassador network, launching campaigns like “Atithi Devo Bhawa”, promoting Experience Nepal, Buddha Nepal, Everest Day, and attracting tourism investment. Flagship programs and events will include Global Nepal Festivals, Nepal Mela, international travel expos, adventure and Everest summits, cultural and wellness tourism campaigns, and initiatives promoting sustainable tourism. The National Coordination Council (NCC) will play a key role in organizing these events and campaigns across different countries, ensuring broad participation and coordinated execution. Immediate priority actions involve formalizing partnerships with NTB, distributing promotional materials globally, organizing the Nepali Nepal Festival, and engaging mountaineers and climbers in international media campaigns.
The committee will also implement targeted campaigns promoting eco-tourism, trekking routes, spiritual tourism, mountain adventures, and cultural heritage. Youth engagement programs, online marketing campaigns, influencer partnerships, virtual tours, and workshops in collaboration with international tourism organizations will further strengthen Nepal’s global tourism footprint.
TPNC will finalize its committee members within the NRNA ICC deadline, ensuring a diverse and capable team of up to 25 members and advisors. Clear roles, responsibilities, timelines, and KPIs will guide the committee, with regular monitoring and reporting to NRNA ICC.
Under Mr. Som Sapkota’s leadership, the TPNC is poised to connect Nepal to the world, mobilize the Nepali diaspora, and enhance global awareness of Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual heritage. His experience as both Chair of TPNC and Spokesperson of NRNA ICC ensures a strong, internationally connected approach to tourism promotion, aligned with NRNA’s guiding principle: “For Nepali, By Nepali.”
