Kathmandu . Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) celebrated its 40th anniversary today on May 29. Since its beginnings in 1979, the umbrella association of trekking agencies has facilitated to promote Mountain tourism of Nepal.
Over the past 40 years, TAAN has explored new trekking destinations, contributed in construction and maintenance of trekking trails. TAAN has played a major role in promoting Nepal’s tourism in international arena through organizing various events.
On the TAAN Day and International Sagarmatha Day, TAAN has organized Eco Challenge: Cycle Rally with the slogan “Sustainable Tourism, The Solution is Less Pollution” with an objective to promote Eco tourism.
The program was chaired by TAAN President Nava Raj Dahal and the Chief guest Honb’l Minister of Forests and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet inaugurated the Eco- Challenge cycling rally.  Meanwhile, TAAN’s 40th Anniversary and International Sagarmatha day was also celebrated in a grand way cutting a cake and flying the balloons.
There were 50 cyclists who participated at TAAN Eco-challenge: cycle rally. The rally started from TAAN Secretariat, Maligaun – Kamalpokhari- Charkhal – Putalisadak – Singha Durbar – Sundhara – Newroad- Jamal – Jyatha- Sanchayakosh and Nepal Tourism Board.
TAAN President Dahal expressed the role of TAAN for promoting Nepal’s tourism particularly trekking and mountain sectors. He explained that TAAN has been organizing Eco – challenge since very long and must comprise more than cycling rally but due to time constraint, TAAN has organized cycling rally to promote Eco tourism. Nepal’s tourism destination is getting polluted everyday that is making negative impact to foster the number of tourist. Pollution is one of the burning issues and a very concern topic on Nepal’s tourism. He aspires that the initiation taken by TAAN will help to bring a positive change in tourism sector of Nepal. “We will celebrate TAAN Day, International Sagarmatha Day and Republic day as a festival.” He added.
Minister Basnet said that Nepal being a highly potential country to foster maximum number of tourist through attractive touristic destinations. Considering upon the effects made by environmental pollution on Nepal’s tourism, he acknowledged the initiative taken by TAAN for disseminating positive message. Raising the voice upon Government’s role on cleaning campaigns and waste management at mountains, heritage sites and other tourism destinations. He assured to bring positive changes regarding environment cleanliness not only in tourism sector but in entire Nepal. “Government will be declaring one-year cleaning campaign on June 5 for the sustainable development of country.” he added.
TAAN General Secretary, Ang Pemba Sherpa hosted the program and ensure that TAAN will be organizing such events in future days for promoting sustainable tourism.
The program coordinator P.K. Sherpa stated that environment plays a vital role on sustainable tourism. “Less the pollution, more the numbers of the tourist.” He added.
TAAN executive members, former Presidents and different tourism associates were present at the event.