Nepal’s Consulate General in New York hosts ‘Reimagine Yourself in Nepal’ event

The Consulate General of Nepal in New York hosted an event titled “Reimagine Yourself . . . in Nepal” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Nepal-USA diplomatic relations. The event emphasized the role of tourism and personal contact in strengthening and expanding warm bilateral ties between the two countries. Prominent speakers shared their views on various aspects of tourism and people-to-people contacts, and officials from the Consulate General, PATA-New York Chapter, media, and travel and tour business executives were in attendance.

Acting Consul General Mr. Bishnu Gautam highlighted the concept of reimagination within Nepal’s tourism potential and its contribution to personal growth, community empowerment, and the recovery of the tourism business. The event, hosted in collaboration with the New York chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA NY) and Chhetry & Associates law firm, emphasized the power of adventure as a transformative experience.

Mr. Joebert Opulencia, Chairman of PATA-New York Chapter, spoke about the tourism potential of the Asia-Pacific region and encouraged travel and tour operators to consider Nepal as a preferred destination due to its exceptional natural and cultural heritage and warm-hearted people.

Mr. Alexander K. Hardin, New York Regional Director of the US State Department Office of Foreign Missions, offered his greetings and spoke about positive USA-Nepal relations, growing community and cultural connections between the two countries, and continuous support for such efforts.

H.E. Amrit Bahadur Rai, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations in New York, highlighted the potential of Nepal to become an international tourism hub for personal and professional growth through recreation, adventure, cultural and spiritual learning, and healing yoga.

Keynote speaker Vanessa O’Brien, mountaineer and six-time Guinness World Record holder, spoke about Nepal’s leadership in mountaineering. She shared her fond memories of Nepal and emphasized that Nepal is the ultimate destination for those seeking to reach great heights, find courage through awareness, and explore the limits of human potential.

Dr. Seth Sicroff, writer and veteran trekker, spoke on “Nepal tourism: a legacy of reimagination” and shared various ideas for further promoting Nepal-USA connections. He noted that this spring marks the 70th anniversary of the first successful summitting of Mt. Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and that Hillary modeled his development assistance initiatives on America’s original programs such as the Sister Cities Act, USAID, and the Peace Corps, which have been instrumental in promoting bilateral and people-to-people connections, building goodwill, and raising living standards in Nepal. He also quoted Hillary’s rationale for the 1963 Himalayan Schoolhouse Expedition: “The basic fact is that people create goodwill – money cannot do it on its own.”

Attorney Mr. Khagendra GC, NRNA USA former Chairman and Vice President of Socialist International, highlighted the diaspora’s role in promoting art, culture, and person-to-person contacts. Mr. Alp Ozaman, Turkish Airlines Regional Marketing Manager in New York, shared how Turkish Airlines (TA) is contributing to boosting tourism in Nepal by directly connecting the USA and Nepal and funding familiarization trips to encourage even more US visitors to Nepal.

Acting Consul General responded to queries raised at the event, including recently revised trekking measures taken by Nepal for the benefit and safety of travelers.

The event showcased Nepal’s tourism potential and the country’s efforts to promote personal growth through tourism, community empowerment, and people-to-people connections.