Visit Himalaya Treks is one of the leading travel and trekking companies in Nepal. The founder and the staff of this company are experienced and dedicated travel professionals; all of them are qualified, trained, and experienced in travel and tourism to guide you in your holidays in Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet.
Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd - Trekking Company in Nepal takes its full responsibility and assures the best service while Trekking in Nepal. We offer affordable travel packages in different categories like Trekking & Tours in Nepal, Peak climbing & Mountain expedition, Adventure Holiday & Luxury Family Vacation in the Himalayan country Nepal. Our excellent record of customer satisfaction and highly skilled staff with good office management would work towards giving you the best of experiences during your travel holiday in Nepal. Therefore, we are proud to say that we are one of the trusted and renowned Trekking agencies in Nepal.
We have meticulously planned all our tours & treks, prioritizing environmental awareness. Some portion of these funds are utilized to carry out community development projects in Nepal, specifically targeting the enhancement of health, sanitation, education, and other related sectors. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the socioeconomic progress of the local communities involved.
We would like to assure you that no compromise is made for the services that we offer. Our highly skilled staff and proper office management would work towards giving you the best of experiences during your stay for tours & trekking in Nepal. Our experienced & professional tour guides and mountain guides ensure that our client’s safety is paramount at all times. We take care of safety whilst our clients (you) are able to enjoy the stunning scenery and freedom of the Himalayas.
It is our great pleasure to fulfill your special requirements and to arrange your unforgettable and wonderful experience in the Himalayas.
Our mission is to captivate travelers with extraordinary and unforgettable experiences. We strive to surpass the expectations of our clients by delivering travel and trekking services of unparalleled quality in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.
Ultimately it's to be "recognized as one of the leading Travel and Trekking Companies in Nepal and globally"
Experience in Tours and Trekking in Nepal: 20+ Years
At Himalaya Treks, we excel in organizing treks to remote and untamed destinations. Fulfill your trekking aspirations with us by embarking on the iconic journey to the Base Camp of the majestic Mt. Everest, the pinnacle of adventure. Alternatively, venture off the conventional trails and explore the remarkable Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek or the captivating Makalu Base Camp Trek. Our offerings go beyond the ordinary, encompassing a remarkable 42-day expedition to Rara Lake Upper Dolpo Trek, known as the Upper GHT route, which connects the regions of Mugu, Dolpo, and Mustang in Nepal.
Over the last 14 years guided in the Himalayas of Nepal, Visit Himalaya Treks was established in 2009 aiming to share first-hand travel experience, the beauty of Landscapes, local traditions, cultures, and lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity.
We travel considerately and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimize our impact, and to ensure that every holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.
Visit Himalaya Treks is a fully resisted company under the Government of Nepal, an honored member of the
We are a team of dedicated, travel professionals & experienced guides, and staff who lead any trips in the Himalayas of Nepal successfully with the best quality & responsible service during your holiday in Nepal. We also do our best to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.
After 25+ Years of experience, we are experts in guiding and organizing wilderness trekking in Nepal, including iconic routes like the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and challenging journeys such as the Rara Lake to Upper Dolpo Jomsom via the Upper Great Himalayan trail. Additionally, we offer renowned treks to Everest Base Camp, as well as more accessible options like the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, perfect for first-time travelers.
We kindly request that you carefully review these booking conditions as they constitute an integral part of the contractual agreement for your holiday.
A trip refers to an itinerary operated by Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. that includes certain treks.
A booking is considered confirmed once we have received a copy of the password and the required certain deposits from our clients. Upon receiving the partial booking deposit, our company will promptly issue a confirmation invoice or send an email to the client. At this stage, the booking agreement between our company and the customer will come into effect and be binding.
Before the company receives the confirmation deposit, the company has all the rights to change the prices however once the confirmation deposit is received the company is not permitted in any means to change the prices unless the programs are changed upon customer request or misfortunes or natural calamities.
Kindly be aware that the company cannot be held responsible for any guarantees, security arrangements, pre-existing agreements, service descriptions, or conditions unless explicitly stated in this document.
Prior to confirming your booking, Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. kindly requires a minimum deposit of 20% of the total trip cost. The remaining balance can be paid either before the trip commences or upon its conclusion. For information on our refund policies, please refer to the Cancellation Policy section below.
We accept Trip Confirmation Deposits through Bank Transfer and Money Transfer Services. Please note that we do not have the PayPal service available in Nepal, so we are unable to accept payments made through PayPal.
Bank Transfer: If you prefer wire/bank transfer methods then you will receive details prior to making confirmation. We will give you detailed instructions to make the payments by wire/bank transfer. Please note that we are not liable for any delay or loss during the transaction process. A customer is liable to pay all fees charged by primary and mediator banks. If the money we received in our account is less than the trip confirmation amount or confirmation deposit, you are liable to pay accordingly so that the total cost is equal to the trip cost.
Direct Money Transfer: You can also make your confirmation via direct money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram. We accept payments via both direct money transfer services. Details will be provided before making the confirmation. You are liable to pay money transfer agent fees.
If you use direct money transfer then you can send us the reference numbers, and money transfer control numbers reference so that we can look at your booking carefully. Sometimes, the bank forwards the money with a different name. Upon having details from you it’s easy to track the transactions.
Credit Card: Additionally, payments can be made by Credit Card while you are in Nepal. If you would like to make the payment by Credit Card we only accept Master Card and Visa cards, there would be a 4% extra bank service charge which you are liable to pay.
The due balance can be paid upon arrival in Nepal. You can pay by cash, bank transfer, or by credit card. If you are not arriving or exiting via Nepal then the balance due must be paid before starting the trip. You can pay via Bank Transfers, Money Transfers, or Credit cards as well.
Clients have the freedom to cancel their trips for any reason, as we do not impose mandatory trips on our customers. We provide refunds to our customers based on specific cancellation dates. The cancellation dates and corresponding refund amounts are outlined below:
Once the trip is started no amount will be refunded for any reason, therefore a customer is advised to claim the loss with Insurance companies. Please also note that no refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave the trip for any reason. The payment you made for a trip is non-transferable to any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals, or any other services.
Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. reserves the right to cancel any trips booked by a customer with sufficient or accountable reasons. This may include natural disasters, flight cancellations, unforeseen strikes, violence, unconditional mishaps, war, government intervention, or weather bugs. In these cases, we will refund the full amount paid to Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Please note that these refunds won’t be applicable to your international airfares, visa fees, travel insurance, bank service charge, or any equipment you bought for the particular trip. The refund will include the entire amount you paid for your particular trip or you are free to select another trip valuing the same amount or make the calculations based on mutual conversation.
We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once-in-a-lifetime journey in this connection. We perform our duties honestly and seriously to make your journey very smooth & pleasant. However, all programs are conducted strictly under the rules and regulations of the country’s own policies. Therefore Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as govt. restriction, landslide, road blockage, flood, snow, political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay, sickness, or accident. Any extra cost incurred there shall be borne by the clients on the spot.
Please note that Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. won’t be accountable for any loss that came into existence due to other parties. We won’t be providing you with any extra services for your loss. The company is also not accountable for any losses or increases in trip costs that a client might have faced due to visa, vaccinations, inbound or outbound flights or trains, etc.
A customer must notify the company regarding any special requirements that a customer has. This may include physical conditions, short-term and long-term diseases, food requirements, fitness, or any physical disabilities. Last-minute information about these conditions may result in an inability to commence the trip or a refusal to start the itinerary. Failure to tell these requirements to the company will result in 100% cancellation fees to the client.
Some trips might be unsustainable for clients due to age, mobility, health, or any other physical or mental conditions. It is the responsibility of the customer to tell them about the issues to the company before confirming the trip. A client will be accountable for all the losses in such cases. We strongly advise all customers to let us know the requirements before making the trip confirmation. The Company will do its best to fulfill Clients' special requirements, but there is no guarantee that the company will be 100% successful to fulfill these needs. Special requests or requirements are not part of the Contract and therefore the Company is not liable for not providing these requests.
Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory for all clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation; loss of luggage, etc. Personal travel insurance is not included in the holiday prices quoted. While every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants, it is a condition of booking that you take out a personal travel insurance policy. To protect against unforeseen circumstances, it is advisable to take a “Trip cancellations and medical insurance policy” before your arrival in Kathmandu. Such a medical policy should cover transportation costs in the event of helicopter or surface evacuation being required. This is especially mandatory for those taking treks to high altitudes.
Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd will cooperate with insurance companies however if the insurance company fails to pay your expenses you are liable to pay all the bills. You must be accountable that the expenses not paid by the insurance company will be collected from you. You are responsible to deal with the insurance company yourself. The company reserves the right to cancel or suspend your participation on a trip or in certain activities that comprise part of a trip, at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund, if you are unable to provide proof of insurance when requested.
Please Note: An adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all Visit Himalaya Treks travelers doing treks and climbing over 4,000 meters. It is a condition of accepting your booking that you agree you will have obtained adequate and valid travel insurance for your booking by the date of departure.
Please kindly note that the weather in the mountains is so unpredictable and changes frequently. There are cases of flight cancellations for more than two weeks. Bad weather may cause flight delays or cancellations for several days. Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd is not responsible for costs arising from flight cancellations or any other additional expenses including food, accommodation, or insurance. Alternatively, arrangements i.e. helicopter flights will be arranged upon your request, it is your responsibility to pay all additional costs. Moreover, Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. bears no responsibility for costs incurred as a result of missed international flights or expired visas, but we will be glad to make alternative arrangements wherever possible upon your request.
Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. is not liable for any physical injuries or health issues that a client may suffer in the field. None of our trip itineraries or packages include personal insurance facilities hence we request all our customers have proper travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation expenses including but not limited to Helicopter Evacuation.
A tour/trek leader who represents Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt.Ltd deserves all authority during your tours. If you commit any unlawful act, you are compelled to leave the tour. No refund will be made in such cases.
When trekking in remote areas, especially off-season, you are highly advised to reserve extra days to be prepared in case of delays, to avoid frustrating consequences. In case of flight cancellation pre-tour/post-tour, you are required to meet your accommodation and food costs yourself.
Responsible Tourism:- The time has come for Nepal as well as the entire world to start accepting the fact that there are certain things about our environment that just cannot be left unaddressed for too long before it will start having repercussions in a magnitude that will be unmanageable and devastating. Nepal relies in a major way on tourism and if left to continue the way it is at present, the future of this awesome industry that provides comfort to both the providers and the visitors remains extremely fragile.
From the depletion of natural resources to the causes that accelerate glacial meltdowns, we humans are the ones responsible in a variety of ways for contributing to the problem. Even conflicts that we so often hear about all around the world are the byproducts of poorly managed natural resource departments of national governments.
There is a severe lack of understanding regarding our environment and an even more irresponsible attitude from both the leaders of a country as well as its inhabitants. The “business as usual” scenario cannot last for too long now. Unless Nepal sets its priorities straight and simple, both along the political line as well as the social part, it is going to be a battle that may take forever to win and the casualties will continue for decades to come. What we at Visit Himalaya Treks are doing however, is focusing on ourselves and believing in the motto “what we can do in our own capacity rather than what anyone else can do for us” and have begun to take several actions that may make a difference.
The responsibility lies not only with the travelers but also with the organizers and knowledge has to be shared and implemented by both parties. We have started giving options to our clients whether they would like to carry their own non-biodegradable rubbish back to base or would want an extra staff to carry it for them. To subsidize partially we are even offering to insure the extra staff ourselves and not charge the client. The plastic that we leave behind in the mountains ends up in the rivers, the streams, and the beautiful valleys. They may also end up as smoke that all of us breathe when people burn them, releasing harmful toxins into the air.
We are trying to use as many of the locally grown products as possible and are experimenting with various different methods of using traditional ingredients to prepare Western-style cuisine using the seasonal vegetables grown in and around the trekking trails. Responsible tourism also highly depends upon the ability of tour organizers and travelers to be able to recognize social injustices such as discrimination against women and the backward classes of Nepal. Travelers can play a big role in promoting fair practices by tour operators by asking the right questions and following through with them. After all, the effects of an unjust society are felt by the environment too.
Deforestation may not be as big a problem as it was several years ago but we want to ascertain that it does not reoccur again. From the most devastating landslides every year to the loss of a lot of plant and animal species, deforestation can have a devastating effect on our environment. We are for the preservation of trees and forests as they not only are a major carbon sink but also home to a whole range of wild plants and animals. The rhododendrons of the mid hills of Nepal are one of the most captivating sights that travelers from all over the world come here to witness. We would want to keep it that way.
Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt.Ltd believes strongly in sustainable tourism and is in the process of starting a project that will help establish model eco villages in Nepal. As this is quite an ambitious project in itself we feel that with enough conviction and effort, it can be done. By maintaining the simplicity of life in the far-flung villages of this country, an environmentally conscious agenda can comfortably be inserted that will have a tremendous amount of economic possibilities for the local inhabitants.
The adaptation that they will have to make in helping to convert their neighborhood into a more eco-friendly one will certainly not be a herculean task as they haven’t yet been corrupted by a majority of barriers faced by the more populous areas of this country. Soon we will be circulating our ideas and plans regarding this particular project and seeking further advice and any voluntary help from clients who may want to be a part of it. With a landscape as rich as this, Nepal has got to start taking responsibility and Nepalis have got to start taking action.
Visit Himalaya Treks is deadly serious in setting its priorities straight and cannot follow the tradition of sticking Environmental banners on our website by simply paying the annual fee and being content with it. Much more work has to be done than that in order to make a difference and believes it or not, it is doable in a way that will be beneficial to everyone in the long run.
Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd takes pride in our belief and principles in the tourism field, which has won us many admirers. All of the activities are carefully planned to be within the boundaries of responsible tourism and are eco-friendly. Apart from these, we also take good care of our own crew (Guides, Cooks, Assistants, and Porters), and make sure that they are well paid (accordingly to the rules of the Tourism Board of Nepal), well cared and properly trained. All our field staff who cheerfully and responsibly takes care of our clients while on treks are highly skilled to tackle every obstacle of an adventurous trip. We are proud to be called one of the local companies that have the best insurance for all field staff.
Our Guides:
Trekking in Nepal provides much-needed employment for the Nepalese people. Also, having a local guide with you can really enhance your trek, giving you better insights into the Nepali way of life with the added benefit of a lively and informative companion. All our guides are knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, and helpful and most importantly, are fluent in English. They have been working for many years in this field as guides, and have successfully acquired the Trekking Guide License from the Government of Nepal Ministry of Culture and Civil Aviation. All our guides have successfully taken part in and completed the following training:
01: Trekking Guide Training (Government of Nepal Ministry of Culture and Civil Aviation)
02: First Aid Course (KEEP)
03: Eco-Trekking & Conservation and Natural Heritage Tourism. (KEEP)
04: Porters’ Safety and Biodiversity in Nepal (KEEP)
Our Porters:
You may be perfectly able to carry your own bag or may feel uncomfortable at the idea of having someone carry your bag for you, remember that carrying loads is a way of life in the Himalayas, and for a minimal amount you will be enabling someone to put food on their family’s table. Visit Himalaya Treks and make sure all our porters are protected by warm gear, especially when on an adventure trip. We also provide them with sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, and a tent for camping trekking. Porters are hard workers and we pay well for their work.
Our effort for minimum environmental impact
We make sure all our trash, including bottles and cans from goods consumed, is properly managed. On camping trips, all our activities are designed to have the minimum impact on the environment. We believe to leave only footprints behind us whenever trekking in the wilder and higher elevations. Even all the papers and materials used in our office in Kathmandu are also environmentally friendly.
What makes Visit Himalaya Treks Special:-
We specialize in all sorts of treks and expeditions in Nepal and have been successfully doing that for a number of years now. Our clients are nationalities from various different countries of the world and we are as versatile in our work as possible. Just to let you know we also can customize your itinerary according to your needs and expectations. The following are some of the tours that you might want to think about:
The Botanical Tours that we conduct are special ones that focus on the flora of the region that clients might want to visit. A prime example is the Rhododendron tour in March-April when they are in full bloom.
The Cultural Tours focus on the heritage and culture of the various cultures of Multi-Ethnic Nepal. An example is the awesome Shaman tour, where the clients will be taken to a region where shamanism is still actively practiced in Nepal.
Heritage Tours consist of visiting the sites recognized by UNESCO and there are plenty of them around.
A Zoological Tour of the Terai region where clients can indulge in Jungle Safaris viewing the Royal Bengal Tiger, One Horned Asian Rhinoceros, The Gharial, and the Asian Elephants among several other species will be a treat to just about anyone.
A Yoga tour will be special to clients who would want to go for a trek and also practice the art in the backyard of the amazing Himalayas up in the mountains.
We believe in responsible tourism We strictly believe in practicing responsible tourism and all our trekking staff have been strictly following this very module. Responsible Tourism If you have further questions please do not hesitate to write us. Join with “the true spirit of the Himalayas”
When it comes to exploring the magnificent Himalayas and embarking on exciting adventures in Nepal, selecting the appropriate trekking company is of utmost significance. Among the numerous options available, one name stands out as a leader in the industry - VHT (Visit Himalaya Treks). Known for its exceptional services, experienced guides, and commitment to sustainable tourism, VHT has established itself as the premier trekking company in Nepal.
With a wide array of trekking companies to choose from, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the most suitable choice. If you are a passionate trekker seeking enriching journeys, Visit Himalaya Treks aims to be unrivaled in excellence. We leave no stone unturned in exploring the various trekking routes in Nepal, and we take immense pride in successfully guiding adventurers to the top eight challenging base camp trekking destinations in Nepal. That is precisely why we exist - to fulfill your trekking aspirations along the captivating trails of the Himalayas in Nepal. Regard our company as your ideal trekking companion, dedicated to your triumph and joy.
At Visit Himalaya Treks, trekking is not just a profession; it is our passion, and adventure is our lifeblood. Our purpose is to make your journey more memorable. We excel at providing expert travel advice, exceptional itineraries, the opportunity to trek alongside experienced guides, and a dedicated support team that ensures a successful journey, granting you a lifetime of unforgettable travel experiences. Moreover, we are here to assist you in following the footsteps of destiny in the enchanting land of Nepal, home to the majestic Himalayan mountains.
With over 25 years (Since 1995) of specialized travel experience, Visit Himalaya Treks is a fully licensed and authorized travel agency in Nepal, offering remote and wilderness trekking holidays with a strong track record of client satisfaction.
We guarantee the best prices among trekking companies in Nepal. At Visit Himalaya Treks, we are committed to providing competitive rates without compromising on the quality of our services. With our dedicated team and strong partnerships, your investment ensures a pleasant and successful trip, meeting the highest standards of excellence.
Private and tailor-made itineraries with small groups are facilitated at Visit Himalaya Treks. Customize your trip & trekking in Nepal with our Travel Consultants for a hassle-free adventure that matches your preferences and group size. With VHT, you can expect meticulous planning and attention to detail, resulting in a hassle-free and enjoyable adventure that aligns perfectly with your aspirations and requirements.
Flexible and personalized service sets Visit Himalaya Treks apart, allowing you to customize your itinerary, duration, and accommodations according to your preferences for a truly unique and tailored experience.
Visit Himalaya Treks excels with a strong and experienced team, prioritizing ethical treatment of staff, client satisfaction, and sustainable tourism practices.
Safety is our top priority at Visit Himalaya Treks. Expertly crafted itineraries, trained guides, and quality gear ensure your well-being and receive positive client feedback.
Trust Visit Himalaya Treks, your local expert, for clear communication, experienced guides, and exclusive sightseeing opportunities. Benefit from their first-hand knowledge of the trails and discover hidden sight spots not found in guidebooks.
With over two decades of experience, Visit Himalaya Treks (VHT) offers extensive expertise in the trekking industry. Their knowledgeable team of guides and staff members are well-equipped to ensure your safety and comfort in the journey of trekking in Nepal.
Visit Himalaya Treks offers a wide range of trekking options, tailored to different fitness levels and preferences, allowing you to explore Nepal's majestic landscapes and vibrant cultures.
Choose Visit Himalaya Treks for responsible and sustainable tourism. With a focus on minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities, VHT promotes the preservation of Nepal's natural beauty. Trained in Leave No Trace principles, their guides and staff ensure trekkers respect the environment. By traveling with VHT, you contribute to the conservation of Nepal's culture and biodiversity.
We are one of the recognized trekking agencies by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. We are a registered company affiliated with under mentioned tourism organizations.
Nepal Tourism Board
Nepal Tourism Board is a national tourism organization of Nepal established in 1998 by an Act of Parliament in the form of a partnership between the Government of Nepal and the private sector tourism industry to develop and market Nepal as an attractive tourist destination. The Board provides a platform for vision-drawn leadership for Nepal’s tourism sector by integrating Government commitment with the dynamism of the private sector.
Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MoTCA)
Tourism reaches into the varied aspects of Nepalese life and its benefits are encompassed by diverse sectors directly and indirectly. It generates employment opportunities and helps in the promotion and conservation of art and culture. The tourism industry is one of the foreign currency earners in the country and thus makes a significant contribution to the economy. The government of Nepal has been actively promoting tourism in Nepal and has always encouraged the private sector to their involved and participate.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MOTCA) gives equal importance to the conservation of natural, cultural, and human resources. Ministry of Tourism first came into existence in 2035 BS (1978 AD). In 2039 (1982 AD), Civil Aviation was also merged into the Ministry of Tourism and it became the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation. In 2057 (2000 AD), the Cultural sector was also integrated into the Ministry and called the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MOCTCA).
On August 31, 2008 (B.S. 2065-5-15) the ministry was divided into two ministries, i.e. Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Culture and State Restructuring. The name of the ministry became the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MOCTCA). The cultural sector has been integrated with tourism and civil aviation on May 18, 2012 (2069-02-05 BS). The name of the ministry has now become the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)
NMA is a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization working as a national alpine association of Nepal.
Nepal Mountaineering Association was established on 1 November 1973 (2030 Kartik 16) Thursday. It is a non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political organization working as a national alpine association of Nepal to promote mountain tourism, and climbing sports, protect mountain environments and preserve and promote the cultural heritage of mountain people. It is the only national alpine club authorized to issue climbing permits for 27 mountain peaks in Nepal.
Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) is an umbrella association of trekking agencies in the country. It was established in 1979 by a handful of trekking agency operators who felt it was time to devise sound business principles as well as regulate the sector which was growing by leaps and bounds with every passing year. They also felt the need for a strong lobby group that could suggest to the government several issues promote the Nepali tourism industry and develop tourism as a revenue-generating industry.
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) established in 1951, is a not-for-profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from, and within the Asia Pacific region.