Session I: Tourism: From Product to Experience
Tourism globally has been shifting from product to experience. Experiencing nature, culture and intangible heritage is becoming as important as experiencing tourism products. This session will delve into reimagining product-based tourism in the Himalayas to promote sustainable tourism, pushing for value above volume, and ensuring benefits to local communities from tourism.
Amigo Khadka
Co-founder
Nepal Tea Collective
Amigo Khadka is a social entrepreneur focused on building scalable enterprises that solve inefficiencies in the emerging market. He co-founded Nepal Tea Collective, a public benefit corporation working to rebrand Nepal’s tea sector while also closing efficiency gaps in the value chain. Amigo also leads strategy and operations at the organization. His skills are further enhanced by his knowledge of investment banking.
Deenam Lamichane
General Manager
Sita Travels Nepal
Deenam Lamichhane is the General Manager of Sita World Travel (Nepal) Private Limited, a leading travel company in Nepal. With a decade-long experience in the travel industry, she is dedicated to promoting Nepal as a destination choice for travelers by creating new products and experiences that showcase Nepal’s rich culture and natural beauty. She is also a founding director at Impact Innovation Nepal, leading many nationwide research projects on diverse subjects for international research firms.
Janhavi Prasada
Hospitality Generalist
Abbotsford Estate India
Janhavi Prasada, a Hospitality Generalist at Abbotsford Estate in Nainital, also serves as Festival Director for Himalayan Echoes. A published author on MK Gandhi, she co-founded White Mountain Collectives, focusing on promoting Himalayan culture. With a background in journalism, she runs her own company, Porcupine Media Pvt. Ltd., with a portfolio of 16 years of experience.
Sangjay Choegyal
Principal
Advant Labs
Sangjay Choegyal, Principal of Advant Labs, is a prominent figure in luxury hospitality with deep Himalayan roots. His expertise, honed at building renowned establishments like Six Senses Fort Barwara and Shinta Mani Wild, now drives Advant's innovative approach to hospitality. Focusing on sustainable data-driven solutions, Sangjay is redefining luxury travel to align with contemporary challenges and future trends.
MODERATOR
Shradha Shrestha
Manager - Digital Marketing and Promotions
Nepal Tourism Board
Shradha Shrestha, a seasoned traveler, blogger, and tourism brand expert, has nearly two decades of experience in tourism marketing and promotion in Nepal, engaging in youth participation and women entrepreneurship. She leads the Digital Marketing Department at the Nepal Tourism Board and serves as the National Program Coordinator for the Sustainable Tourism Livelihood Recovery Project (STLRP), UNDP. She also serves as an Executive Board Member of Nepal Alumni of Humphrey Fellows (2022-2024).