Kathmandu, Apr. 1:Nepal Tourism Board took part in the 25th SMT (Salon Mondial du Tourisme) travel trade fair held in Paris, France from 23-26 March.

Now running into 25th year of its operation SMT is the largest potential travel trade fair, in terms of buyers and sellers,  to be held in France.  There were altogether 615 exhibitors from around 107 destinations.  A total of 86,730 visitors and 6,597 professionals attended the fair during the four days, according to NTB press statement.

NTB stand covering an area of 12 square metres was decorated by a huge painting on canvas depicting different aspects of Nepal, Buddhist prayers flakes, different photos of Nepal, maps, wooden windows etc which drew a large number of visitors and professionals. NTB stand was visited with approximately 5,000 visitors and 200 professionals  seeking information on Nepal concerning new visa regulation, present scenario of tourism in Nepal, mountaineering royalty, trekking etc. The visitors were provided with the brochures regarding the information for tourists in French  language, maps of Nepal, posters, giveaways like money bag and lokta paper bag etc.

A set of press kit containing guide book, brochures on general information about Nepal, Travel manual, Interactive CD ROM, Video Documentaries, slides,   tourist    map   of   Nepal and other informative brochures were distributed to the potential professionals and media people during the fair. The visitors and professionals gave a good response and appreciated about the information brochures and media kit which NTB distributed in the fare.

Furthermore, a delegation of Nepalese participants in the West Europe Road Show which was organised in 10 cities of 6 countries from 17 to 31 March also visited the fare in the two concluding days.  The participants under the leadership of Nepal Tourism Board, got the opportunity to establish contact with the potential tour operators from France other countries taking part in the fare.

France is the 6th largest market in terms tourist arrivals in Nepal. There were altogether 21,303 tourist arrivals by air only in the year 1999.  It is further expected that the arrivals will increase by a greater percentage in the years to come.