The Embassy of Nepal in Denmark organised a promotional event entitled “Nepal Now” in Copenhagen in collaboration with Honorary Public Relations Representative of Nepal Tourism Board and “Nepal Now”campaign on 23 April 2016. Organised in coincidence with the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April last year, the program was focused on disseminating the status of Nepal’s tourist destinations and services following the earthquake. The guests present in the event were members of Diplomatic Corps in Denmark, businessmen, professors, academicians, scholars, media persons, members of Denmark-Nepal Society, Honorary Public Relations Representative of Nepal Tourism Board in Finland, office bearers of Nepalese community organisations including the Non-resident Nepalese Association, International Coordination Council (NRNA-ICC) and National Coordination Council (NRNA-NCC) of Denmark and other Nepalese community organisations. Divided into three parts, the program started with the welcome remarks by Mr. Som Nath Sapkota, HPRR, Nepal Tourism Board who welcomed the participants while highlighting the objectives of organising the event. He emphasised on the need of increased flow of tourists to Nepal at such a critical time when Nepalese people are working for reconstruction of the country in a sustainable manner. Following the welcome remarks, a minute of silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the earthquake. H.E. Mr. Mukti Nath Bhatta, Ambassador of Nepal to the Kingdom of Denmark initiated and led a candle lighting to mark the occasion. In the second part of the event, three presentations were made covering the status of tourist destinations and services at the aftermath of the earthquake and the reasons to visit Nepal now. The first presentation was made my Mr. Hjortur Smarason, International Place Branding and a staunch supporter of “Nepal Now” campaign. Beginning his presentation with the real-time story of his son who was in Pokhara during the earthquake, Mr. Smarason highlighted that International media generally focused on the negative pictures of the earthquake but rarely focus on the positive pictures. The vivid example, as he presented, was his son’s witnessing of Kathmandu after three days of the earthquake which was standing unlike the pictures presented in the media. He maintained that such information creates fear among the visitors resulting into the lowered number of visitors. He also mentioned that he started face book and twitter campaign to spread positive message that Nepal is safe to travel even after the earthquake. He also said that the number of tourists visiting Nepal has been reduced by 25 percent in 2015 which may be revived in few years in the level of arrival figures of 2014. Thus, Mr. Smarason emphasized on the fact that Nepal is safe and back to business throughout his presentation as an effort to spread the positive image of the country. The second presentation was made by Mr. Richie Johnston, Journalist and videographer and his friend Mr. Niall McLoughlin who shared the story of impression while visiting Nepal prior to the earthquake. Mr. Johnston presented a short video entitled “Nepal: Mountain Music” which was produced in coordination with his friend. He said that his parents visited Nepal and has still the fresh memory of the beautiful country and he also wishes to follow their path. The third presentation entitled “Why to Visit Nepal Now”was made by Mr. Ram Kaji Khadka, Counsellor/Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy. Presenting fourteen main reasons- majestic mountains, Lumbini, world class trekking trails, myriad cultures, roaring rivers, flora & fauna, sports, settings and stories for films and documentary production, MICE and meditation, volunteerism and internships, holidaying, supporting in the reconstruction process, spreading the message that Nepal is safe, competitive costs and international recognition of Nepal as one of the best destinations to travel, Mr. Khadka highlighted the contribution of tourism sector in Nepalese economy and the importance of increased number of visitors at present. H.E. Mukti Nath Bhatta, Ambassador of Nepal to the Kingdom of Denmark delivered a short speech on the occasion. In his speech, among other things, the Ambassador highlighted the situation at the aftermath of the earthquake. He mentioned that though the quake was not of mega-quake scale, the impact was unprecedented due to the country’s geography and the quality of the private as well as public properties. In yet another context, he maintained that there were some political hurdles that were prevailing prior to the earthquake. But the earthquake paved the way forward for the political consensus to promulgate the constitution. He also informed that the National Reconstruction Authority has been constituted and it has started functioning smoothly now. He expressed his hope that the pledges of assistance made during the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction (ICNR) will be utilised for the satisfaction of those who are affected by the natural disaster. The Ambassador also shared among the audience that the protected areas of Nepal have been instrumental in preserving endangered species like Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhino and elephants which are also the treasures to offer to the tourists to see. He also thanked the Government and people, the NGOs and civil societies and individual well-wishers of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden for their swift response to the call of the Government of Nepal by providing immediate rescue and relief support and their continued concern and interest in the rehabilitation and reconstruction process. Finally, the Ambassador appealed all the participants to visit Nepal and encourage their friends, relatives and persons and families in their networks to plan their next trip to Nepal. In the last segment of the event, a Nepali Folk dance, a Nepali Dhoon (musical tune) and a Tamang Selo dance were presented by six Nepalese artistes associated to International Artists Society (INAS), Denmark. In the Nepali Dhoon, the artistes presented a melodious tune of Madal, Guitar and Bansuri. Participants widely appreciated the cultural dances and musical performances. At the end of the programme, general Nepalese food items were served to the participating guests who appreciated the peculiarity and taste of Nepalese food. They also shared the view that Nepal is a beautiful country and they will share the information among their friends and relatives. Organised as part of the Embassy’s economic diplomacy activities, the programme was also supported by a number of Nepalese volunteers. Attaché at the Embassy, Mr. Madhab Raj Kafle and other Embassy staff were also present on the occasion. Embassy of Nepal