Bharat Jung Pandey elected NATTA president
Pandey wins 188 votes in a three-way contest as new leadership faces calls to improve policy, air connectivity and international tourism promotion
Bharat Jung Pandey has been elected president of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) for the 2026–28 term, defeating Yubika Bhandari and Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha in a three-way contest.
Pandey, director of Everest Miracle Travels & Tours, secured 188 votes at NATTA’s 59th annual general meeting and 25th executive committee election, held at the Soaltee Hotel on Thursday. Bhandari received 158 votes, while Shrestha polled 106.
Pandey, who has more than two decades of experience in the tourism industry, contested the election as leader of the “Bharat & Team” panel.
Sunil Sharma was elected senior vice-president with 251 votes, defeating Bishnu Pandey and Varun Mehta. Sabita KC Bhattarai won the vice-president post with 177 votes, while Raj Kumar Devkota was elected general secretary with 158 votes.
Ramesh Parajuli was elected secretary with 195 votes, Diki Sherpa treasurer with 208 votes and Jeevan Koirala joint treasurer with 166 votes.
The eight elected executive committee members are Smarika Thapa, with 211 votes; Prakash Lohnani, 210; Nabin Gurung, 205; Dinesh Mainali, 189; Suman Lal Shrestha, 188; Swastika Pradhan, 184; Sanket Dahal, 165; and Bibash Paudel, 158.
The election followed a competitive campaign involving three panels, with candidates putting forward different priorities for the travel trade and wider tourism industry.
After his election, Pandey pledged to focus on good governance, transparency and greater participation by NATTA members. His priorities include modernising the association’s services through a “Digital NATTA” initiative, strengthening international tourism promotion and addressing policy and regulatory hurdles facing tourism businesses.
The new leadership takes charge as Nepal’s travel and tourism industry seeks stronger international promotion, improved business conditions and greater policy support.
