Kathmandu – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association Nepal (HSAMA) successfully organized a blood donation program today at the Crystal Pashupati Complex in Kathmandu. A total of 26 individuals from the hospitality sales and marketing sector participated in the event, expressing their commitment to social responsibility.
With the goal of further elevating Nepal’s hospitality industry, the association has strengthened its social contribution through this initiative. The blood donation program was organized in collaboration with the Nepal Red Cross Society.
Ani Thapa, an official from the association, shared that the blood donation program was successfully completed, adding, “Although this is the first blood donation campaign, it will not be the last. We are committed to continuing such programs under our social responsibility.” She also mentioned that the association plans to prioritize various social responsibility activities in the future.
Announcement of the Working Committee
On the same day, the official establishment of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association Nepal (HSMAN) was declared. A meeting of HSMAN’s administrators, held at the Pashupati Crystal Hotel on Saturday, formed a new working committee for the next six months, marking the formal establishment of the association.
The newly formed committee aims to bring together key figures from Nepal’s hospitality sector, promote collaboration in sales and marketing, and contribute to the industry’s growth.
New Leadership Announced
The newly elected working committee consists of experienced individuals from various prominent hospitality institutions in Nepal:
Working Committee:
- President: Robinson Maharjan (Hotel Yak & Yeti)
- Vice President: Sanjeev Tuladhar (KGH)
- General Secretary: Deepak Pokharel (Paradise Inn)
- Secretary: Laxmi Shrestha (Tiger Tops)
- Treasurer: Ganesh Budhathoki (Best Western Plus)
Committee Members:
- Umesh Shrestha (Best Western Plus)
- Kishore Poudel (WAR)
- Rajan Tuladhar (Lake View Resort)
- Prabha Ghimire (Paradise Inn)
- Ramesh Pathak (Landmark Group)
- Ani Manandhar (Mountain Vista Retreat)
Advisory Committee:
- Rajkumar KC (Barahi Hotel & Leisure)
- Pradeep Poudel (Mountain Vista Retreat)
- Suresh Shrestha (Apex Business Hotel)
Legal Advisor:
- Ganesh Kunwar
New Committee to Move Forward with Plans
With the formal registration of HSMAN, the organization has outlined its work plan and announced various strategic initiatives. General Secretary Deepak Pokharel shared with Tourshala, “From today, we are officially operational as a registered organization. Within the next five to six months, we plan to conduct training programs, and within a year, we aim to organize a large sales meeting. We are also looking to host a tourism expo in the future.”
“We plan to bring foreign agents into Nepal to promote our hotels and services in the international market,” he added.
General Secretary Pokharel also mentioned plans for branding new and established hotels, conducting digital marketing campaigns, offering customer service improvement training, collaborating with corporate clients, travel agencies, and tour operators, creating loyalty programs to increase customer satisfaction, and developing sales strategies to identify target groups.
Commitment to Strong Growth by the President
President Robinson Maharjan expressed his commitment to institutionalizing the organization by developing necessary procedures and regulations. “HSMAN has been around for three to four years, but there was no clear strategy. Now, we have clarified our action plan. Currently, the organization has more than 300 members, and our primary goal is to ensure that all members directly benefit,” he said.
Strengthening the Hospitality, Sales, and Marketing Business
According to President Maharjan, the hospitality and marketing sector has been rapidly expanding in Nepal in recent years. “In the last few years, the number of luxury hotels and restaurants, as well as canteens, has increased. Investors are being attracted to the hotel business, which has a direct impact on the tourism industry. This is why the need for knowledgeable professionals in hospitality and marketing is growing,” he added.
He further stated, “This sector is evolving as a career opportunity for Nepalese youth heading abroad. Therefore, we have decided to move the organization forward legally.”
Training and Opportunities for Skilled Workforce
The committee also emphasized the need to provide training and opportunities for those working in the marketing and sales sectors. The organization plans to hold Business-to-Business (B2B) networking events, expand business partnerships between hotels and resorts, offer training programs for hospitality professionals, and conduct market research to identify customer preferences and emerging trends.
“We aim to promote Nepal’s hotels and tourism on the international market, make Nepal an attractive destination through digital media and advertising, and develop marketing strategies focusing on local food, cultural experiences, and local heritage,” President Maharjan said.
Expanding National and International Networks
Furthermore, HSAMA official Ramesh Pathak emphasized that the formation of the committee marks a positive and historic step for the sector. “Today, the committee has been formed, and in six months, we will elect a permanent committee by consensus or vote. We have a diverse group of experienced and enthusiastic professionals who will empower each other and move forward,” he said.
He revealed that the association plans to invite national and international trainers for quality training, as well as collaborate with tourism-related organizations such as NATA and TANA. “We aim to prepare skilled personnel for the hotel and tourism sector and work with the government to propose necessary reforms in tourism policy,” he said.
Professional Empowerment and Long-Term Strategy
Pradeep Sharma Poudel, a representative from Mountain Vista Retreat in Nagarkot and an official from the association, shared the long-term plan of the organization, saying, “We will move forward by making the hospitality and sales sector more organized through dynamic programs, skill-based training, and extensive outreach.”
He expressed his happiness that the concept, which began in 2006, has now been officially established. “Our goal is to bring together professionals from the hospitality and marketing sectors from Mechi to Mahakali under one umbrella,” he said.
HSAMA believes that its upcoming initiatives will have a positive impact on the hotel, tourism, and overall economy sectors.
Tourism Sector Welcomes the Initiative
The tourism sector in Nepal has welcomed HSAMA’s efforts to promote hospitality, sales, and marketing, viewing the association’s initiatives as highly significant. The association’s focus on professional skill development, expanding international networks, and prioritizing tourism promotion has been applauded by business owners, national and international agents, and government representatives.
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