KATHMANDU: A two-day Human Capital Development Workshop on “AI for Tourism & Hospitality Excellence” began in Kathmandu on Monday, bringing together 60 professionals from Nepal’s travel and tourism industry. The training is jointly organised by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter.

Welcoming participants, PATA Nepal Chapter Chairperson Khem Lakai stressed the need to strengthen digital capabilities and AI proficiency to keep Nepal’s tourism workforce competitive in a fast-evolving global market.

In his inaugural remarks, NTB CEO Dipak Raj Joshi encouraged attendees to engage actively with the sessions and apply the insights to enhance professional practice across the sector.

The opening session was moderated by PATA Nepal CEO Suresh Budal, setting the stage for an interactive learning environment.

The workshop is led by Prof. Faye Hao of the School of Hotel & Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Over two days, participants will explore AI fundamentals, AI models and agents, ethical considerations and practical applications across hotels, resorts, airlines, destination management and MICE operations.

With strong participation from the travel trade, organisers say the initiative aims to boost professional capacity, foster innovation and support Nepal’s transition toward a smarter and more resilient tourism industry.