Swisscontact in Nepal

30/09/2026

Sustainable tourism starts in the kitchen. Check this video to see how tourism enterprises in Madi Rural Municipality are learning to diversify their menus using locally available ingredients and from underutilised resources or that which would go to waste.

In this video, a homestay owner shares how the culinary training has helped her expand her menu, celebrate local flavors, and create and retain greater value within the community.

COCOS is a demand-driven capacity building program designed to bridge the gap between rural tourism offerings and evolving needs of the sustainable tourism market. It is being implemented through our tourism project, Developing Inclusive and Green Opportunities (DIGO).

Stay tuned with us, as we share how we are shaping a sustainable tourism future for Gandaki Province and beyond.

Click here to learn more about our project, DIGO: https://www.swisscontact.org/en/projects/digo-developing-inclusive-and-green-opportunities

DIGO is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

28/09/2026

Kathmandu is famous for its quality bakery outlets. Did you know more than 30% percent of these famous bakeries (including Herman and European bakeries) have sought support from our Senior Expert Contact (SEC) programme.

Our SEC experts have supported many bakeries in Pokhara too and now if you happen to travel to Ilam, you can taste some savoury baked goods from Sunshine Villa Fikkal, Ilam.

Check this testimonial video of Sunshine Villa working with Swiss bakery expert Markus Rolli.

Hear directly from the founder to see how Mr. Rolli helped strengthen the company's bakery operations and improve its products:

https://youtu.be/agDUPa2jEjg?si=hQPsNMPTlskoll-c

For over 30 years, the SEC programme has connected Nepali businesses with Swiss experts, helping them build skills, strengthen capacities, and grow through practical learning and mentorship. Learn more about the SEC programme and how it can support your business growth: https://www.seniorexpertcontact.org/en

Sunshine Villa Fikkal in Nepal shares its experience with Swisscont...

18/09/2026

In the wake of the Bhotekoshi flood, Association of International NGOs in Nepal - AIN-affiliated INGOs have mobilised over NRs 410 million in relief, reaching families across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.

Speaking with New Spotlight Magazine, our Country Director and Chairperson of the Association of International NGOs in Nepal - AIN, Sanjay Karki, shared an update on the ongoing response — and where attention needs to turn next:

"The primary future challenges lie in recovery and reconstruction. Given the current inflow, relief supplies are more than sufficient — in fact, local communities have asked that no more food aid be brought into the areas. However, reconstruction will require significantly more funding, and locals are increasingly requesting targeted recovery programs."

Read the full interview here: https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2026/09/17/ain-affiliated-ingos-rapidly-deploy-relief-bhotekoshi-flood-victims-sanjay-karki/

17/09/2026

Swiscontact’s development programme, Developing Inclusive and Green Opportunities (DIGO), is looking for qualified consulting firms or multidisciplinary consultant team for the Preparation of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for Pokhara Metropolitan City.

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.jobsnepal.com/request-for-proposals-rfp-consultancy-services-for-the-preparation-of-the-sustainable-tourism-master-plan-for-pokhara-metropolitan-city-144109

DIGO is co-financed by Happel Foundation. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

16/09/2026

Skills required to run a hospitality business keep on changing with the evolving market needs. This was the case for Dorje’s Resort and Spa in Pokhara. As demand grew for gluten-free baked goods and vegan products, the resort reached out to the Senior Expert Contact (SEC) programme for expert support.

Through SEC, we connected the resort with Swiss bakery and confectionery expert Mr. Bert Steehouder, who worked closely with the team to strengthen their skills. He shared practical knowledge on preparing gluten-free and vegan products and provided training on storage and measurement techniques, as well as food safety and hygiene practices.

For Dorje’s Resort and Spa , this hands-on mentorship and knowledge transfer have helped improve baking and confectionery skills, enabling the team to offer products that better meet evolving customer preferences.

For over 30 years, the SEC programme has connected Nepali businesses with Swiss experts, helping them build skills, strengthen capacities, and grow through practical learning and mentorship. Learn more about the SEC programme and how it can support your business growth: https://www.swisscontact.org/en/projects/sec

07/09/2026

Our Country Director and Chairperson of the Association of International NGOs in Nepal - AIN, Mr. Sanjay Karki, and Disaster Risk Management Focal Point from AIN Steering Committee, Dr. Samjhana Bista, updated on AIN members’ collective response to the recent floods and outlined AIN's priorities for the days ahead.

As immediate relief efforts continue, AIN remains committed to working in close partnership with the Government of Nepal, local governments, national and local organisations, and affected communities. Together, AIN member INGOs are paving the way towards an inclusive, coordinated and resilient recovery -ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most and that no one is left behind.

Please watch the video to learn more about AIN’s response and the road ahead!

21/08/2026

Happening Now, 𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐎 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞, a first-of-its-kind event connecting hotels in Pokhara with sustainability service providers!

This event is organised by Hotel Association Pokhara in collaboration with United Community Nepal with support from Swisscontact.

Despite growing interest in sustainability within the hospitality sector, many hotels face challenges in accessing locally relevant information, trusted service providers, and practical solutions that offer clear business benefits. Today's event addresses this gap by creating opportunities for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.

Stay connected with us for more highlights from the event!

This initiative is supported by DIGO project, which is co-financed by Happel Foundation. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

19/08/2026

Were you at the International Youth Day celebrations in Kathmandu, organised by European Union in Nepal, last week?

We're glad to share that at the EU Youth Fest held on August 12, we officially launched our EU-funded Creating Opportunity for Youth in the Digital Economy (CODE) project.

The event brought 1,600+ participants closer to technology and innovation, with interactive stalls showcasing 3D printing, drone simulations, robotics, speed mentorship sessions, and much more. CODE is about creating pathways for young people to build digital competencies, connect with opportunities, and play an active role in Nepal's digital future.

Learn more about the project here: https://www.swisscontact.org/en/projects/creating-opportunity-for-youth-in-digital-economy-code

A big thank you to the European Union for its continued support, and to all partners, participants and young innovators who made the day so vibrant and meaningful.
A special thank you to CYAN Innovations for giving young people the opportunity to experience and explore their innovative business simulation games.

CODE is implemented by Swisscontact in Nepal in partnership with Restless Development Nepal and Robotics Association of Nepal [RAN].

17/08/2026

As tourism grows, so does the need for businesses that are sustainable, well-managed, and future-ready. To support this shift, Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management College, Pokhara, with support from Swisscontact, is offering the Sustainable Business Management & Leadership (SBML) Training for hotel promoters, executives, and senior managers. This training is designed to help address gaps in sustainable business planning, operational leadership, and organisational development, and to equip the hospitality leaders to lead green transitions.
📚 Covers: Sustainability Strategy, Marketing, Finance & Cost Controlling, Risk Management & Communication, and Leadership Strategies
📅 6 Days (2 days/week): 29, 30 Aug | 5, 6 Sept | 12, 13 Sept, 2026
📍 Venue: NTHMC, Pokhara
🎓 Swiss designed curriculum delivered through Swiss-certified trainers
👥 Only 20 seats available— apply now!
📝 Register: https://forms.gle/SyZSbrQmLMCy1XQx6

This initiative is part of Swisscontact's Developing Inclusive and Green Opportunities (DIGO) Project, co-financed by Happel Foundation, under the Swisscontact Development Programme co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management College (NTHMC), Pokhara invites you to join the SBML (Sustainable Business Management & Leadership) Training—a unique opportunity to learn, lead, and transform your business through a blend of Swiss Hospitality expertise and international best practices. Its 6 days Training to Hotel Owners related to Sustainability Strategy, Marketing, Finance & Cost Controlling, Risk Management & Communication and Leadership Strategies. Only 20 participants in a batch so DON'T miss the opportunity.
FREE Registration: https://forms.gle/SyZSbrQmLMCy1XQx6
✅ FREE Training (Worth Rs. 50,000/-)
📅 6 Days Training (2 days per week i.e 29, 30 August, 5, 6, 12 & 13 September )
📍 Venue: Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management College (NTHMC), Pokhara
🗓️ Starts: 29th August, 2026
🎓 Swiss Hospitality-inspired Training with Certification
🤝 Supported by: Swisscontact
Together, let's build resilient hospitality businesses, implement sustainable practices, and make Pokhara a leading sustainable tourism destination.
📢 Limited seats available! Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your business, your leadership, and the future of tourism in Nepal.
Contact: 061-505078, 9851135752