An interview with Rajya Laxmi Shakya, tourism entrepreneur, business leader, and former Tourism Committee Coordinator at FNCCI Bagmati Province, on Nepal’s tourism potential, the role of women in the industry, and what it will take to build a sustainable, internationally competitive tourism sector.
Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)
- Rajya Laxmi Shakya is a tourism entrepreneur and former FNCCI Bagmati Province Tourism Committee Coordinator.
- Nepal’s tourism industry has shown strong recovery, with rising demand for spiritual, adventure, wellness, and cultural tourism.
- FNCCI can do more by strengthening public-private partnerships, supporting tourism entrepreneurship, and connecting local businesses to international investors.
- Women entrepreneurs in Nepal’s tourism sector face challenges around financing, networks, and leadership representation – but digital platforms are opening new opportunities.
- Traveler behavior has shifted from agencies and brochures to digital storytelling, influencer marketing, and online reviews.
- Nepal’s future competitiveness depends on infrastructure, service quality, sustainability, heritage preservation, and stronger destination branding.
Introduction
As Nepal’s tourism sector rebuilds and diversifies, the voices of private-sector leaders – especially women entrepreneurs – are shaping its next phase of growth. In this interview, Rajya Laxmi Shakya, a tourism entrepreneur and former Tourism Committee Coordinator at FNCCI Bagmati Province, shares her perspective on Nepal’s tourism potential, the evolving role of women in the industry, the impact of digital transformation, and the priorities Nepal must focus on to become a globally competitive tourism destination.
Q&A: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Industry in Nepal
As a successful woman entrepreneur and former FNCCI Bagmati Province Tourism Committee Chief, how do you see the current condition and future potential of Nepal’s tourism industry?
Rajya Laxmi Shakya: Nepal’s tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience and recovery in recent years. We are seeing increasing international arrivals and growing interest in spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, wellness travel, and authentic cultural experiences. Nepal has unique natural beauty, rich heritage, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality that very few countries can offer in one destination.
Looking ahead, I believe Nepal’s tourism potential remains largely untapped. If we focus on infrastructure development, quality service standards, destination management, digital promotion, and improved air connectivity, Nepal can become one of Asia’s most attractive tourism destinations. Sustainable and community-based tourism will play a major role in ensuring long-term growth while benefiting local communities.
FNCCI has played an important role in supporting tourism and private sector businesses in Nepal. In your opinion, how can organizations like FNCCI contribute more effectively to the growth and promotion of Nepal’s tourism?
Rajya Laxmi Shakya: Organizations such as the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) serve as a bridge between the government and the private sector. Their role is crucial in advocating business-friendly policies, promoting investment, and creating networking opportunities.
Going forward, FNCCI can contribute more effectively by strengthening public-private partnerships, supporting tourism entrepreneurship, organizing international tourism promotion programs, facilitating market access, and encouraging innovation and digital transformation within the tourism sector. It can also help create platforms where local tourism entrepreneurs can connect with international investors, buyers, and travel operators.
Women are becoming increasingly active in tourism, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and travel businesses. What opportunities and challenges do women entrepreneurs still face in Nepal’s tourism industry today?
Rajya Laxmi Shakya: It is encouraging to see more women entering tourism and hospitality businesses. Today, women are successfully leading hotels, travel companies, restaurants, homestays, and other tourism-related enterprises.
However, challenges still remain. Access to finance, limited business networks, balancing family and professional responsibilities, and underrepresentation in leadership positions continue to affect many women entrepreneurs.
At the same time, opportunities are expanding rapidly. Digital platforms, e-commerce, social media marketing, and growing support from business organizations have opened new avenues for women-led enterprises. By providing better access to training, mentorship, and financing, we can empower more women to become successful leaders in Nepal’s tourism industry.
Comparing the tourism industry of the past with today’s digital tourism era, what major changes have you observed in tourism business, marketing, and traveler behavior?
Rajya Laxmi Shakya: The transformation has been significant. In the past, travelers relied heavily on travel agencies, brochures, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Today, most travel decisions are influenced by digital platforms, online reviews, social media content, and mobile technology.
Tourism marketing has shifted from traditional advertising to digital storytelling, influencer marketing, video content, and real-time engagement with travelers. Modern tourists seek personalized experiences, authentic local interactions, sustainable tourism products, and instant access to information.
Businesses that embrace technology, online booking systems, customer engagement tools, and digital marketing strategies are gaining a competitive advantage in today’s tourism marketplace.
Nepal has huge tourism potential in culture, heritage, spirituality, adventure, and local experiences. What should Nepal focus on most to build a stronger, more sustainable, and internationally competitive tourism industry in the future?
Rajya Laxmi Shakya: Nepal should focus on quality, sustainability, and destination diversification. We already have world-famous attractions, but we need to develop tourism experiences beyond traditional destinations.
Our priorities should include:
- Improving tourism infrastructure and connectivity
- Strengthening service quality and hospitality training
- Promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices
- Preserving cultural and natural heritage
- Supporting community-based tourism initiatives
- Enhancing international marketing and destination branding
- Encouraging investment and innovation in tourism products
If Nepal can successfully combine sustainability, quality experiences, and effective global promotion, I am confident that tourism will become one of the strongest pillars of our national economy while creating employment and prosperity for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rajya Laxmi Shakya?
Rajya Laxmi Shakya is a Nepali tourism entrepreneur and business leader who formerly served as Tourism Committee Coordinator for FNCCI Bagmati Province.
What tourism segments are growing fastest in Nepal?
According to Shakya, Nepal is seeing rising international interest in spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, wellness travel, and authentic cultural experiences.
What challenges do women entrepreneurs face in Nepal’s tourism industry?
Key challenges include limited access to finance, smaller business networks, balancing family and professional responsibilities, and underrepresentation in leadership roles – though digital platforms are creating new opportunities for women-led businesses.
How can FNCCI support Nepal’s tourism sector?
FNCCI can strengthen public-private partnerships, support tourism entrepreneurship, organize international promotion programs, and connect local tourism businesses with international investors and travel operators.
How has digital technology changed tourism marketing in Nepal?
Tourism marketing has shifted from traditional advertising and travel agencies toward digital storytelling, influencer marketing, online reviews, and real-time engagement with travelers via social media and mobile platforms.
What should Nepal prioritize to become a more competitive tourism destination?
Shakya highlights infrastructure and connectivity, service quality, sustainable and community-based tourism, heritage preservation, destination branding, and innovation in tourism products.
