KATHMANDU: Participants at a recent event have emphasized the need to focus on digital marketing and the promotion of Nepal’s tourism and mountaineering products, as artificial intelligence takes center stage in today's global landscape.

During a panel discussion organized by the Sherpa Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (STEAN) to mark STEAN Day in Kathmandu, tourism stakeholders and lawmakers agreed to streamline digital initiatives by swiftly formulating the necessary laws for the betterment of the industry.

Mingma Gyabu Sherpa, a member of the House of Representatives and the first lawmaker to scale Mount Everest, said that the new Tourism Bill currently being deliberated in Parliament will address major stakeholder concerns. Recounting his over 17 years of experience in mountain climbing, Sherpa added that the new bill would pave the way for the development of the country’s tourism and mountaineering sector.

Addressing the STEAN Sambad on the role of AI in tourism, Phur Gelje Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), said the NMA is closely working with mountaineering stakeholders to facilitate their activities. "Through skill-development trainings, the NMA is playing a key role in enhancing the capacity of mountain workers," he shared.

Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa, general secretary of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal, highlighted that the careful use of AI and digital tools would be highly beneficial in the current age, as the world tourism market is witnessing a drastic shift. "For that, our tourism industry should be capable of handling such tools," he noted.

Maya Sherpa, president of the Everest Summiteers Association, said there must be equal roles for all aspiring women mountaineers when it comes to dealing with mountaineering challenges in the country. "It is important to note that the mountaineering sector is for everyone and needs to break free from gender stereotypes," she added.

Lakpa Sherpa, vice president of the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association, recounted the challenges he has faced while climbing mountains and conducting mountaineering trainings. "The government and concerned agencies must work to safeguard the rights of mountain workers, and they should be given better facilities to survive in the country," he urged. The panel was moderated by STEAN Secretary Chhoki Sherpa.

In the inaugural session, Pasang Sherpa, STEAN president, urged all Sherpa tourism entrepreneurs to unite for the betterment of the tourism sector. "We must upgrade ourselves to compete in the digital world," he said. "STEAN is committed to raising professional standards by providing quality training, skill-development programs, and capacity-building opportunities that enable our members to grow, adapt, and access new and sustainable livelihood opportunities."

Sonam Yangji Sherpa, general secretary of STEAN, reminded attendees that the association's role is to protect, advocate for, and promote the rights and identity of Sherpa tourism entrepreneurs, ensuring their voices are respected in Nepal's tourism industry.

The event was attended by climbers, tourism industry stakeholders, and others.