Former President of Nepal Association of Tour&Travel Agents(NATTA), Madhu S. Acharya: supporting research and innovation in the field of mountain tourism is a key aspect of IMTA's work

EDITOR'S NOTE

It has been five years since the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) founded on August 15, 2017. In the past five years, IMTA has continuously improved the construction of the platform, played its role in promoting the implementation of the results, and achieved exciting development results. The development of IMTA has continuously stepped into a new level, and the internationalization, marketization and specialization of IMTA has been widely recognized by the domestic and foreign industry.

On the occasion of the second session of the General Assembly and Council of IMTA, IMTA will invite representatives of international organizations, representatives of IMTA members and industry experts, and will listen to their opinions and suggestions on the work of IMTA in the past years, and will talk about the new future of mountain tourism development.

GUEST: Madhu S. Acharya, Former President of Nepal Association of Tour&Travel Agents(NATTA) / Founder Council Member of IMTA

IMTA: What achievements of IMTA do we think are fruitful and need to be recognized?

Madhu S. Acharya: As a member of IMTA, there are several achievements that could be considered fruitful and worthy of recognition. Some examples could include:

1. Promoting sustainable mountain tourism development: One of the main goals of IMTA is to support the development of mountain destinations and peoples in a way that balances economic, social, and environmental goals. If the organization is successful in promoting sustainable mountain tourism development, this would be a significant achievement.

2. Building capacity of mountain communities: IMTA works to build the capacity of mountain communities to participate in and benefit from mountain tourism activities. If the organization is successful in helping mountain communities to develop their own tourism initiatives and to benefit from tourism development to the local communities, this would be a notable achievement.

3. Advocating for mountain tourism: IMTA works to raise awareness of the importance of mountain tourism globally and the need for sustainable development in mountain regions of all participating Nations. If the organization is successful in advocating for mountain tourism and raising awareness of the issues facing mountain communities, this would be a significant achievement around the world.

4. Supporting research and innovation: IMTA supports research and innovation in the field of mountain tourism, including through the development of new tools and techniques. If the organization is successful in supporting research and innovation that helps to advance the field of mountain tourism, this would be an important achievement.

Overall, any achievement that helps to promote sustainable mountain tourism development and benefits mountain communities would be considered a worthwhile and significant achievement for IMTA.

What aspects of IMTA do we think need to be strengthened in serving the sector and members?

Madhu S. Acharya: There are several aspects of IMTA's new council that could be strengthened in order to better serve the sectors and members of the organization. Some potential areas for improvement could include:

1. Communication and engagement: Ensuring that there is clear and effective communication with members and stakeholders is critical for the success of any organization. The new council could focus on improving communication and engagement with members and stakeholders in order to ensure that they are informed about the work of the organization and have an opportunity to provide input and feedback.

2. Advocacy and policy development: IMTA works to advocate for mountain tourism and the needs of mountain communities. The new council could focus on strengthening the organization's advocacy and policy development efforts in order to better promote the interests of the sectors and members it serves.

3. Research and innovation: Supporting research and innovation in the field of mountain tourism is a key aspect of IMTA's work. The new council could focus on strengthening the organization's research and innovation efforts in order to help advance the field and support the needs of its members.

4. Capacity building: IMTA works to build the capacity of mountain communities to participate in and benefit from mountain tourism. The new council could focus on strengthening the organization's capacity building efforts in order to better support the needs of its members and the sectors it serves.

5. IMTA should create a network platform to share and exchange tourism activities amongst the member countries. One general tourism activities of a country might be unique to others and can promote for the development of rural and mountain region.

Overall, the new council will need to focus on a range of issues in order to effectively serve the sectors and members of IMTA. By prioritizing areas such as communication, advocacy, research and innovation, and capacity building, the council can help to strengthen the organization and support the needs of its members.

Expectation of general member's on the future development of IMTA.

Madhu S. Acharya: As a general member of IMTA, I may have certain expectations about the future development of the organization. Some potential expectations that you might have could include:

1. Continued support for sustainable mountain tourism development: One of the main goals of IMTA is to promote sustainable mountain tourism development around the world. As a member, you may expect the organization to continue to focus on this goal and to work to support the development of mountain destinations in a way that balances economic, social, and environmental goals.

2. Stronger engagement with members: As a member, you may expect the organization to be more responsive to your needs and to ensure that you are kept informed about the work of the organization and have an opportunity to provide input and feedback. All members including council as well as general members should be interconnected to explore and share their products for its promotion development.

3. Improved advocacy and policy development: IMTA works to advocate for mountain tourism and the needs of mountain communities. As a member, you may expect the organization to strengthen its advocacy and policy development efforts in order to better promote the interests of the sectors and members it serves. IMTA can be a strong organization to deliver environmental challenges and its protection as well as preserve guidelines to the government of member countries or their national tourism organization.

4. Enhanced research and innovation: Supporting research and innovation in the field of mountain tourism is a key aspect of IMTA's work. As a member, you may expect the organization to continue to support research and innovation and to work to advance the field of mountain tourism. Many of the countries (Developing and undeveloped) still not aware of the impact to be generated by over flows of tourism activates in mountain regions, IMTA should establish a role model on the research and innovation of activates owned and engaged by the members and their country.

5. Stronger capacity building efforts: IMTA works to build the capacity of mountain communities to participate in and benefit from mountain tourism. As a member, you may expect the organization to continue to focus on capacity building and to work to support the needs of its members and the sectors it serves. Entrepreneur's skill development and promotion of the local products are the key elements to drive local economy that can be achieved through expanding the capacity of various goods and service stakeholders of the region.

Overall, as a member of IMTA, you may expect the organization to continue to work towards its goals of promoting sustainable mountain tourism development and supporting the needs of its members and the sectors it serves.

Congratulatory Message to General Assembly !

Congratulations to Chairman and entire management team of IMTA on the occasion of its 2nd General Assembly! This is an important milestone for the organization and a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of its members and stakeholders.

I hope that the General Assembly will be a productive and meaningful event that will helps further advance the mission of IMTA and the interests of the mountain tourism sector. Last but not least offer my sincere congratulation in advance to those conferring with the prestigious recognition for their hard work and brilliant inputs in the past. Here's to many more years of successful journey to cross and impact for IMTA!