Hikmat Singh Ayer Appointed Acting CEO of Nepal Tourism Board

Kathmandu — Senior Director Hikmat Singh Ayer has been assigned the responsibility of Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). According to a decision made by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on Monday, Ayer has been entrusted with carrying out the duties of the office chief.

The position became vacant after the government introduced an ordinance that removed NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi from office. To fill the leadership gap temporarily, Ayer was appointed acting CEO based on seniority.

Ayer has been working at the Nepal Tourism Board for 26 years and has spent the last 15 years leading various departments. He has also previously served as acting CEO during earlier leadership vacancies at the board.

In a circular issued by the ministry, it was stated that Ayer will oversee the board’s daily administration, policy implementation, program coordination, and tourism promotion activities. The ministry noted that the responsibility was given to ensure continuity in the board’s regular operations without disruption.

Having served within the board for many years, Ayer is regarded as a senior official with extensive administrative and managerial experience in the tourism sector. He has previously played leading roles in several projects and programs conducted by the board.

Stakeholders in the tourism industry have responded positively to the leadership change, saying it is expected to ensure policy continuity and smooth implementation of ongoing programs.

Under Ayer’s leadership, the board is expected to prioritize tourism promotion, strengthen Nepal’s presence in the international market, and improve internal management efficiency.