Kathmandu: A two-day Human Capital Development (HCD) workshop on “AI for Tourism and Hospitality Excellence” began in Kathmandu on Sunday, bringing together 60 professionals from Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The workshop, jointly organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), is being held at Hotel Yak and Yeti.
PATA Nepal Chapter Chairperson Khem Lakai opened the program, stressing the need for Nepal’s tourism workforce to strengthen digital and AI-related skills to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global market.
Delivering the inaugural remarks, NTB Chief Executive Officer Dipak Raj Joshi highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in tourism marketing and sectoral growth strategies. He urged participants to engage actively with the sessions and apply AI-driven insights to their professional work.
The opening session was moderated by PATA Nepal Chapter CEO Suresh Singh Budal, who guided the proceedings and set the framework for interactive discussions.
The workshop is led by Prof. Faye Hao of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management. Over the two days, participants will be trained in AI fundamentals, AI models and agents, ethical considerations, and practical applications of AI in hotels, resorts, airlines, destination management, and MICE operations.
Organizers say the workshop aims to strengthen professional capacity, encourage innovation, and support Nepal’s move toward a more resilient and technology-driven tourism sector.