Developing Inclusive and Green Opportunities (DIGO) is an initiative designed to promote sustainable tourism in Nepal by creating green jobs, increasing income opportunities, and generating positive environmental impacts. The project focuses on strengthening tourism destinations and enterprises in Gandaki Province through the adoption of responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
DIGO supports the development of sustainable tourism by enhancing destination governance and planning, improving tourism business models and operational practices, and strengthening the knowledge, skills, and capacities of both public and private sector stakeholders. Through these efforts, tourism destinations are better positioned to deliver high-quality, sustainable visitor experiences that enhance competitiveness, foster inclusive economic growth, and safeguard Nepal's rich natural and cultural heritage.
Supported by Swiss contact and implemented by United Community of Nepal (UniCoN), the project is delivering the Green Skills in Jobs in Hospitality (GSJH) training program to operational staff working in accommodation establishments (hotels) within Pokhara Metropolitan City. The training equips hospitality professionals with practical green skills that improve workplace sustainability, resource efficiency, and service excellence.
Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management College (NTHMC), Pokhara, has been selected as the implementation partner and service provider for the GSJH training program. Leveraging its expertise in hospitality education and training, NTHMC is committed to building a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable transformation within Nepal's tourism and hospitality industry.
Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management College Partners with Swiss contact to Advance Sustainable Hospitality Education
Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management College (NTHMC), Pokhara, is proud to collaborate with Swiss contact in Nepal under the Developing Inclusive and Green Opportunities (DIGO) project to strengthen sustainable tourism and hospitality education in Nepal. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing industry-oriented education, green skills development, and sustainable leadership for the country's tourism sector.
As part of this collaboration, Swiss contact and United Community Nepal (UniCoN) have partnered with NTHMC and SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern (SHL Swiss Hotel Management School) to implement the Train the Trainer (TTT) Program for the Sustainable Business Management and Leadership (SBML) course in Pokhara.
Developing Sustainable Hospitality Leaders
The Train the Trainer (TTT) Program is designed to build the capacity of hospitality educators and industry professionals by equipping them with internationally recognized knowledge and practical competencies in sustainable business management, leadership, and responsible tourism practices. The program promotes innovative teaching approaches while encouraging the integration of sustainability principles into hospitality education and professional training.
With global tourism increasingly embracing sustainable practices, the initiative prepares trainers and future hospitality professionals to address emerging environmental, social, and economic challenges while delivering responsible and high-quality tourism experiences.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Tourism
Pokhara, Nepal's leading tourism destination, offers an ideal environment for promoting sustainable hospitality learning and innovation. Through this partnership, NTHMC and Swisscontact aim to establish Pokhara as a regional hub for sustainable tourism education by encouraging knowledge exchange, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting responsible business practices across the tourism and hospitality industry.
The collaboration combines Swisscontact's international expertise, training methodologies, and global network with NTHMC's academic excellence, modern training facilities, and strong industry partnerships. Together, the institutions are committed to developing a skilled, innovative, and future-ready workforce capable of supporting Nepal's transition toward a more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible tourism sector.
Towards a Centre of Excellence
A key objective of the partnership is to position Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management College (NTHMC) as a Centre of Excellence for tourism and hospitality education, professional training, applied research, and innovation in Nepal. By strengthening faculty competencies, enhancing curriculum quality, and expanding industry collaboration, the partnership seeks to create long-term value for students, tourism enterprises, and local communities.
As the first major initiative under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Sustainable Hospitality Skills and Leadership Training under the DIGO project will contribute to building a competent workforce equipped with green skills, leadership capabilities, and sustainable business practices that respond to the evolving needs of Nepal's tourism and hospitality industry.
Through this collaborative effort, Swisscontact, UniCoN, SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern, and NTHMC reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting sustainable tourism development, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities for inclusive economic growth across Nepal.
