For many years, the Nepal tourism industry has been looking for greater representation on the international stage. Although Explore Himalaya has achieved a great many things and local initiatives have been significant, Nepali leaders have seldom been included at the top level of global tourism organizations. The current situation has entirely changed since Suman Pandey has been given a place on the PATA Executive Board, Suman Pandey PATA Executive Board.
On August 19, 2026, in Kuching, Malaysia, it was announced that the PATA Executive Board would be enlarged by five members, and the appointment of Suman Pandey, who is the Group Chairman of Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, signifies a turning point for tourism in the region.
When it comes to the field of Nepal tourism leadership, few names have a stronger impact than Suman Pandey’s. Having devoted more than 35 years to the field, his contributions to Nepal tourism are extensive and have had a significant influence. Suman Pandey Nepal tourism is currently Group Chairman of Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure and holds a key position within our respected leadership team. In addition, he is the CEO of Fishtail Air, a director at both Summit Air and the Chhaya Centre, and president of the Himalaya Academy of Travel and Tourism.
Earlier in his career, he was Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter and of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). The legacy of Suman Pandey Nepal tourism initiatives is characterized by an outstanding record of “firsts”: he is recognized for having introduced commercial skydiving to the Himalaya, for arranging the historic 2009 Kala Patthar/Everest Cabinet Meeting to bring attention to climate change, and for launching the very successful Himalayan Travel Mart.
The expansion of the PATA Executive Board has now brought five well-known figures from the industry into the association to help shape its future. Together with Suman Pandey PATA Executive Board, PATA has welcomed Jennifer Chun from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Yang Li from Booking.com APAC, and Ibrahim Shiuree from Visit Maldives. Alhasan Aldabbagh from the Saudi Tourism Authority and Pandey will also be taking part as non-voting members of the PATA Executive Board.
Henry Oh, chairman of PATA, warmly welcomed the new members and mentioned that their different areas of expertise will be of importance in furthering the association’s strategic vision. For Nepal, the link between Suman Pandey PATA ensures that our local voice is heard in the wider Asian Pacific travel governance. This appointment of Suman Pandey PATA Executive Board is therefore a significant step towards greater inclusivity and a stronger sense of collaboration in the global tourism sector.
If you’re asking what PATA full form means, then PATA, that is the Pacific Asia Travel Association, was established in 1951. It has acted as a strong promoter of responsible travel and tourism both to and from as well as within the Asia Pacific area. Since 1998 the Pacific Asia Travel Association has had its head office in Bangkok, from where it has been carrying out regional initiatives.
Nepal has been a proud member of this organization since 1975. Throughout the years PATA has had a vital role in shaping our local situation, having for example helped to draw up Nepal’s tourism master plan for Pokhara in 1976 and having given essential support during the recovery after the 2015 earthquake. PATA is still an important partner in building resilience, and the ongoing relationship with the Pacific Asia Travel Association is still bringing benefits to the Himalayan communities.
The development of the relationship between Suman Pandey PATA is one that is based on constant dedication. His leadership on an international scale became more prominent during his time as Secretary/Treasurer of PATA from 2020 to 2024, a period which involved guiding the industry through its most difficult years. After this successful term, he was then chosen as Vice Chairman of the PATA International HQ for the 2024-2026 term.
In 2026 he is now taking the next step. Each of Suman Pandey PATA position has stressed sustainable growth and supported mountain tourism. This is brought to a head by most recent appointment of the Suman Pandey PATA Executive Board, and his career shows both his own dedication and the growing influence of Nepal on the global scene. This long-standing involvement of Suman Pandey PATA promises a more promising future for the whole region.
Strong Nepal tourism leadership at the international level would be a major advantage for the Nepal tourism industry, since it would ensure an authentic portrayal of our distinctive adventure and experiential tourism opportunities. Given that tourism in Nepal is largely based on trekking in Nepal and mountaineering-fields which call for a deep understanding and specialized promotion-enhanced international tourism leadership will allow us to match our post-pandemic recovery story with global best practices.
As a result, the Nepal tourism industry will not only take part in but will also become a key player in regional travel policies. Moreover, sustainable tourism in Nepal will gain from a greater degree of involvement in the Asia Pacific framework. For those who are enthusiastic about Nepal travel, this will mean improved infrastructure, higher safety standards, and more global cooperation. In the end, the overall attractiveness of Nepal travel will increase and a prosperous future will be secured for the Nepal tourism industry as a whole and for tourism in Nepal.
We at Explore Himalaya feel very proud of the fact that Suman Pandey PATA Executive Board has reached this important position. The leadership principles of sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment are an integral part of our company. If you select us for your Nepal travel country. We keep on designing itineraries that show off our first-rate knowledge of the tourism in Nepal. Whether you are interested in a peaceful cultural tour or in a exciting high-altitude adventure, we encourage you to discover Nepal with the experts.
Nepal’s position on the world tourism map has never been more prominent. Looking to the future, the combination of local innovation and international cooperation will open the way to remarkable travel experiences. We are committed to establishing the Himalayas as a top-tier, responsible destination. The prospects are excellent and this is proudly supported by the appointment of Suman Pandey PATA Executive Board. We are celebrating this accomplishment and are looking forward to the positive changes that the Suman Pandey PATA Executive Board will bring about.
Suman Pandey is a figure who enjoys great respect within Nepal’s tourism industry and is at the moment Group Chairman of Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, together with other important positions such as that of CEO of Fishtail Air.
The highest governing body of the Pacific Asia Travel Association is the PATA Executive Board, which is in charge of setting industry policies, defining the strategic direction and overseeing the association’s global activities.
The fact was made public on August 19, 2026, in Kuching, Malaysia, that he had been given the appointment of a new member of the Executive Board.
PATA full form is Pacific Asia Travel Association.
Before he was recently appointed, he was Secretary/Treasurer from 2020 to 2024 and then Vice Chairman from 2024 to 2026.
Suman Pandey joins the Executive Board as a non-voting member, Alhasan Aldabbagh from the Saudi Tourism Authority also doing so.
It ensures that Nepal has a strong presence on the international stage and that its distinctive adventure, trekking, and experiential tourism sectors have a significant say in regional policy-making.
He is the CEO of Fishtail Air, on the board of Summit Air and the Chhaya Centre, president of the Himalaya Academy of Travel and Tourism, and was previously Chairman of both the PATA Nepal Chapter and TAAN.
Since 1998 the Pacific Asia Travel Association has had its head office in Bangkok, Thailand.
epal has since 1975 been a proud member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
Apr 2023 I had an incredible experience trekking to Everest Base Camp with Explore Himalaya. Our guides were absolutely amazing. They provided us with exceptional support and guidance throughout the journey. The porters deserve special recognition too for their hard work and dedication. The entire journey was filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. From the start until the conclusion , every moment was filled with awe and wonder. I highly recommend Explore Himalaya for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas. Thank you to all the the staff, for making our journey truly exceptional!
13 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Nov 2018 We have just returned to Kathmandu after a wonderful trek around the Manaslu circuit, starting in Soti Khola and finishing in Jaget. The trek and transport out and back to Kathmandu were very well organized. Our guide, Bharet Rana was excellent, arranging our tea-house accomodation and meals each day, without hitch. He was always good humoured and provided an interesting commentary on sights along the way.
Our Everest Base Camp trek was a wonderful and memorable one. Everything was very well organised. Thank you Explore Himalaya and the staffs for such an excellent service. We were taken care of from the moment we landed in Ktm till the day we left. The Guides and the Porters team of Explore Himalaya are very friendly and helpful. They took care of every little things during our trek. Some walked faster, some slowly and few could not but No one was left behind. They walk with your pace and motivates you until you get up. Anuj Pandey, MD of Explore Himalaya was available 24 hours a day when anybody was in need, he even flew to Namche to check if everything was going well and if everybody was doing good. The Guides Bibek Pandey, Bhuwan Tamang and Ram Rajbhandari along with their 5 Porters were the main pillars who made our mission accomplished. I'd highly recommend anybody who wants to travel to Nepal to contact Explore Himalaya and get themselves spoilt and entertained with their excellent service.
Helicopter flight to Everest basecamp Mar 2023 Organized for us a life time experience by helicopter to the base camp. Very well organized and all what has been promised was delivered. Would highly recommend this service.
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