Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Prithivi Subba Gurung launched the "Send Home A Friend".
Tourism promotional program amidst a huge gatherings of Non Resident Nepaleses(NRN), media and trade at the Nepal Embassy, London on November 17, 2007. The campaign is the joint initiative of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal Tourism Board in close association with  Non-Resident Nepali diasporas aimed at boosting the tourist arrivals to Nepal. The campaign was formally launched on 3rd NRN Conference in Kathmandu from Oct. 15 to 17, 2007 by the Government of Nepal and NTB. The campaign is aimed at encouraging the NRNs in the UK to send their friends to Nepal, capitalizing the promotion of Nepal through 'Word of Mouth', building a bond of new relationship between Nepalese and visiting British/European friends to Nepal and thus contributing in promoting Nepal among the British visitors.

Honorable Minister Gurung said that Government of Nepal has brought this special campaign to promote tourism as it is one of the prioritized sectors of the Nepalis economy. Addressing the NRNs living in UK, he encouraged them to participate actively to make the campaign successful and send as many colleagues and friends as possible to Nepal. He emphasized on the fact that tourism in Nepal does not have to depend on any particular season as it is a year round destination which has a comparative advantage over other competing destinations. He also requested the NRN community to invest in tourism infrastructure development in potential areas which would help diversify tourism products as well as its benefits.

Newly appointed Nepalese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, HE Mr. Murari Raj Sharma pledged his support and commitment to make the campaign a success while welcoming the NRNs to the program.  He furthers stressed on the importance of tourism to the development of the country and highlighted the role the Nepali diasporas can play to promote tourism in major source markets around the globe.

Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board made a comprehensive presentation with major highlights on the" Send Home A Friend" campaign. He elaborated on the tourism attractions of Nepal, contribution of tourism to the economy, objectives of the campaign, and its expected outcomes. He put special emphasis on role and responsibilities of the NRN Association to achieve the goals of the campaign and make it a success.  

Mr. Ashok Shrestha, President of NRN Chapter, United Kingdom assured active participation of Nepali diasporas in the campaign and  stressed that direct air connectivity between  UK and Nepal is a crucial factor in brining about the desired results.

In an extensive interaction, the invitees of the program put forth positive comments, feedback and suggestions for the successful implementation of the campaign. They vigorously demanded that Nepal Airlines Corporation be a strong and efficient national carrier for the effective tourism promotion of the country. They unanimously endorsed the campaign and expressed their commitment of active participation.

Mr. Subash Nirola, Sr. Director of NTB thanked all the guests for attending the program, giving valuable suggestions and their commitment of participation.

During the occasion, Honorable Minister Mr. Prithive Subba Gurung felicitated Mr. Dhurba K.C., Honorary PRR of NTB and Mr. Ashok Shrestha, President of NRN Association of the UK for their contribution towards destination promotion of the country.

High ranking officials of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Embassy of Nepal, London and Nepal Tourism Board were also present at the program.