KATHMANDU: Ncell has announced a strategic collaboration with the Nepal Association of Travel Operators (NATO) to enhance mobile connectivity for international tourists visiting Nepal.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Upanga Dutta, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Ncell, and Bishwesh Shrestha, President of NATO, during a programme held Thursday at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

Under the partnership, Ncell will provide mobile connectivity services to help international travellers remain in contact with family and friends throughout their journeys across Nepal. NATO, meanwhile, will use its network of travel operators to raise awareness of Ncell’s connectivity services among international tourists.

Speaking at the event, Dutta said the collaboration would combine Ncell’s nationwide network with NATO’s reach in the tourism sector to make reliable connectivity a seamless part of the travel experience.

He added that the partnership would also contribute to promoting Ncell’s #NepalCalling campaign and supporting Nepal’s positioning as a tourism destination.

NATO President Bishwesh Shrestha said connectivity plays an important role in the tourism experience and welcomed the partnership with Ncell, noting that it would help travellers remain connected throughout their stay in Nepal.

The collaboration also extends beyond telecommunications. Through the Ncell Foundation and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Ncell will support NATO in establishing modern WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities along major highway routes.

The initiative will begin with a pilot project in Gajuri, Dhading, targeting the need for improved sanitation facilities for tourists and local communities travelling along major highway corridors.

The two organisations said the initiative reflects their shared commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism development in Nepal.