Government should recognize tourism as a priority sector

Dhana Prasad Gurung is a young and energetic tourism entrepreneur in Nepal. Born on Ashadh 18 2039 BS in Laprak-7 of Gorkha, Gurung is the managing director of Ethic Himalaya Treks & Expedition.

Gurung spent his early childhood days in his village itself. He studied until fourth grade in the local Shree Monikanta Devi School. Remembering his childhood days, Gurung says, “Those days were full of fun. I used to hang out with friends. We used to take our cows in the meadows and play different games with friends.”

While in the village, Gurung was selected for a scholarship by a French INGO working in the field of education for rural kids. He came to Gorkha Bazaar for his further studies. Though he had studied until fourth grade, he was admitted to grade one after spending a month in pre-school class. After studying there till grade seven, he was admitted to Old Capital Secondary Boarding School from where he completed his SLC examination in 2057 BS.

After completing SLC examination, he came to Kathmandu for higher studies. He completed higher secondary level education from Ashirwad College and graduated from People’s Campus. Though he had planned to go to foreign countries, it couldn’t materialize.

In 2004, Gurung joined Churen Himal Treks and Expedition as an accountant. It was his first job. He worked their till 2009 and joined Eco Trek Nepal in a managerial position. After garnering valuable experience and knowing the trekking sector closely, Gurung felt it is high time he opened his own company. In 2010, he teamed up with three other friends to open Ethic Himalaya Treks & Expedition. Gurung has been looking after overall management and administration while his friends are looking after the marketing part.

“Our major focus is the French market. But we operate tourists from all over the world,” said Gurung.

Gurung is also the executive member of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) – the umbrella association of around 1,000 trekking companies in the country. He is also the advisor of Laprak Society and the finance coordinator at Atharasayakhola Saving and Credit Cooperative.

Talking about his role in TAAN, he says, “I am the coordinator of Training and HR Department. Under my supervision, we have conducted trekking guide training for 750 persons.” He also added that TAAN has conducted various guide refreshment trainings. “We recently conducted canyoning training in Lamjung,” he added.

Gurung is happily married and the couple is blessed with a son.

Commenting on the government rules and regulations related to the tourism sector, Gurung said the government should make no further delay in recognizing tourism as a priority industry. “We have abundant natural and cultural attractions to attract foreign tourists, the government should only put in place proper plans and policies for the overall development of this sector,” the young entrepreneur said, before concluding.