KATHMANDU: Having trained under the management of Soaltee Oberoi, Badri Tamang is now general manager (GM) of Hotel

Himalaya. Explaining his career switch from teaching to the hospitality sector, Tamang says, “I applied for hospitality training after seeing an advertisement on a national daily because back then tourism sector was in embryonic stage and I believed that it would foster into a good business.”

After acquiring the training, there was no turning back for Tamang, who has been involved in hospitality sector for more than three decades now. Tamang’s first managerial job was that of an assistant manager of food and beverage at Soaltee Crowne Plaza in 1975. Tamang believes that challenges are a part of life and they can be a true mentor. Apart from working in number of hotels like Everest Hotel and Fulbari Resort as GM, Tamang has also garnered

experience of working as in-charge of Sheraton Kampala Hotel in Uganda. Tamang joined Hotel Himalaya in 2005.

Acknowledging Tamang’s managing capabilities and skills, he was presented presidency award while working in Hotel Everest. “The role of a manager is neither challenging nor difficult as long as he provides leadership and clear vision to the subordinates,” adds Tamang. According to him, the key is for every department to meet the standards and perform according to organisational policies.   

“Our unique selling point is the location, which offers panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas, and the unique and ancient Kumari Temple with traditional décor within the premises,” says Tamang. Excited about the increase in tourist arrival in the country, Tamang opines that Nepal would have witnessed more visitors from long-haul market if the national flag carrier had operated in the European countries. “It is unfortunate that we have to depend on other international airlines for boosting tourism in the country,” laments Tamang. 

Hotel Himalaya currently has 201 staffs and apart from orienting new member to mould them into their working style, the company also holds trainings and seminars to equip their staffs with the latest marketing strategies and techniques. Tamang feels his current challenge is to

upgrade the hotel into five-star category and add special-ity restaurant and 100 rooms to accommodate the increased tourist inflow.

Tamang emphasises that to be successful, one should

primarily be self-motivated, and be focused on one job at a time. “I have managed to do exceptionally well in every

organisation I have been associated with,” claims Tamang, adding that after he joined

Himalaya, there has been increase in revenue and number of renovation programmes have been carried out.