GATE College Hosted Convocation Ceremony Highlighting Nepal’s Tourism Potential

Listen to this article

EDUCAST, The Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE College) recently held its convocation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of its graduates while addressing key issues in Nepal’s tourism and hospitality industry. The event was attended by prominent figures in the tourism sector, including Professor Dr. Wolfgang George Arlt, Director of the Meaningful Tourism Center in London, and other distinguished guests.

During the ceremony, Professor Wolfgang, who visited Nepal at the invitation of GATE College, commended the country’s progress in the field of tourism and hospitality since 2015. He highlighted that while Nepal holds immense potential in tourism, the sector remains underdeveloped due to insufficient marketing efforts. Professor Wolfgang, who has been active in promoting sustainable and meaningful tourism across several countries, including China, remarked, “Nepal’s tourism is truly unique, but when I speak with stakeholders and professors from various countries, I often encounter ignorance about Nepal. This reflects the impact of the lack of marketing.”

He further emphasized that despite global recognition of Nepal’s tourism prospects, many stakeholders from abroad had not yet visited the country. He attributed this to the absence of effective international marketing campaigns. However, he acknowledged the positive signs of development, noting that several world-renowned hotel chains had recently established a presence in Nepal, which he described as a “bright sign for Nepal’s tourism development.”

The convocation also featured speeches from other notable figures, including the Swiss Ambassador to Nepal, Dr. Danielle Meuwly, and New Zealand’s Honorary Consul to Nepal, Lisa Choegyal, who praised GATE College’s role in developing skilled manpower for Nepal’s growing tourism sector. GATE College has been offering world-class education in hotel management through its collaboration with École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), a member of Hotelleriesuisse – Swiss Hotel Association (SHA), the world’s leading hospitality education provider from Switzerland.

Khem Lakai, the founder and chief executive of GATE College, expressed pride in the institution’s contribution to producing highly qualified professionals in the hospitality industry. He also announced a new partnership with Nepal’s iconic five-star establishment, Hotel Soaltee, which has been operating for over six decades. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in furthering career opportunities for GATE College graduates.

In an unprecedented move, Hotel Soaltee awarded employment contracts to two outstanding GATE College graduates directly during the convocation ceremony. The two graduates received their appointment letters on stage, marking the first time a five-star hotel in Nepal has offered direct employment at such an event.

The convocation ceremony showcased not only the achievements of GATE College graduates but also the growing recognition of Nepal as a prime destination for global tourism, albeit one that requires more robust marketing to fully realize its potential.