Stakeholders Agree to Conduct Specialized Mountaineering Training
The Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Mountaineering Association have signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct specialized training aimed at producing skilled manpower in the mountainous tourism sector. Under the Sustainable Tourism Project, mountaineering guide and leader training will be conducted in the Api, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga regions. Hikmat Singh Air, acting executive chief of the Board, emphasized that developing skilled human resources is essential for quality and safe mountain tourism. Kathmandu, 26 Ashar.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), jointly initiated by the Nepal Tourism Board and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal, and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to conduct specialized mountaineering training for producing skilled manpower in Nepal’s mountaineering sector. According to the agreement, three specialized mountaineering training programs will be conducted in the Api, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga regions to develop the necessary skilled and professional workforce in Nepal’s mountain tourism.
Specifically, mountaineering guide summer skill training (basic mountaineering training) will take place in the Api Himal region; mountaineering guide winter skill training (advanced mountaineering training) will be held in the Kanchenjunga region; and mountaineering leader training (summer skill) will be conducted in the Manaslu region. Hikmat Singh Air, acting executive chief of the Tourism Board and national project director of STP, stated that mountain tourism is Nepal’s most significant identity and competitive strength, and for its sustainable development, skilled manpower production is indispensable.
“Skilled human resources are the greatest foundation for promoting quality, safe, and sustainable mountain tourism,” he said. “This collaboration with the Nepal Mountaineering Association will support the production of skilled mountaineering personnel according to international standards, and it is believed it will make Nepal’s mountain tourism safer, more professional, and more competitive.” The memorandum was signed by NMA President Furgelje Sherpa, General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama, and Treasurer Sumi Lama. On behalf of the Board, STP National Project Director Hikmat Singh Air, National Project Coordinator Khadga Bikram Shah, and National Project Manager Dharmaraj Dawadi also signed the agreement.