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About Us
Since 2017, the Community Homestay Network (CHN) has been redefining tourism in Nepal, connecting travellers with authentic, community-led experiences that empower locals and preserve cultural heritage. Community Connect, our signature yearly event launched in 2024, takes this mission further by inviting selected participants on three transformative trips across Nepal, exploring rural villages, semi-urban gems, and urban hubs. Collaborating with 50 diverse communities, we showcase immersive homestays and artisan experiences, from crafting Newari repoussé in Patan to dancing with Tharu communities in Bardiya, offering unparalleled insights into Nepal’s culture and landscapes.
Recognizing the power of community tourism (CT), Community Connect empowers rural voices, fosters sustainable entrepreneurship, especially for women and youth and diversifies Nepal’s tourism offerings. Each itinerary highlights unique CT products, blending cultural exchange with offbeat travel to leave a positive footprint on destinations and their people. Supporting 361 households and 1,996 beneficiaries, our model ensures economic benefits ripple through communities, backed by comprehensive training in hospitality and co-creation with local stakeholders.
Through exposure trips, we bridge travellers, operators, and creators, showcasing the relevance of sustainable practices firsthand. Honoured by TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2025’ and the PUM Impact Award 2024, CHN’s Community Connect is your gateway to Nepal’s soul, three unforgettable journeys that empower, connect, and sustain. Join us to experience tourism that transforms lives and celebrates heritage.
Program Schedules
Programme Schedule
Join us at Community Connect: Building Partnership for Community Tourism, where industry experts and community leaders converge to explore sustainable tourism practices. Delve into keynote addresses, panel discussions, and cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of Nepali communities. Engage in immersive experiences and networking opportunities to foster partnerships and promote responsible tourism.
Our Speakers
Ms. Shila Amatya
President , Panauti Community Homestay
I am Shila Amatya, President of Panauti Community Homestay. I assumed the role of President with a commitment to excellence and community engagement. My responsibilities include communication with travel agencies, coordination with employees and homestay owners, and overall management of public relations.
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Ms. Premmati Buduja Pun
Community Speaker, Narchyang Community Homestay
I am Premmati, one of the host family members at Narchyang Community Homestay. I have been working in a homestay since 2017. I am also the treasurer of the community homestay committee. Initially, we only hosted Nepali travelers, but now we also host international travelers. We started our homestay because the nearby place called Tatopani received vast numbers of travelers, but we have yet to. To diversify mass tourism, we began hosting travelers.
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Ms. Isha Mahoto
Secretary, Barauli Community Homestay
I am Isha Mahoto, serving as Secretary at Barauli Community Homestay. With an impressive 8-9 years of dedicated involvement in community homestays, I am a seasoned community host committed to enhancing guest experiences and fostering strong community ties.
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Mr. Arjun Karki
Community Speaker, Shree Mechi Community Homestay
I am Arjun Kumar Karki, serving as the Ward Chairman of Ward No. 4 in Mechung Municipality. I have been actively involved in tourism and conservation efforts since 2007, gaining valuable experience through participation in International Rural Tourism festivals. Additionally, I hold the position of Chief of the Nepal Chapter of the Association for Conservation & Tourism, representing a collaborative effort between Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. As a central member of the Nepal Homestay Association since 2011, I have conducted training for nearly a dozen homestays. In 2020, I was appointed as the Coordinator of Rural Tourism and Handicrafts for Province 1, where I have played a pivotal role in various initiatives, including the Nature Friendship Trek organized by Chief Minister Kedar Karki. I take pride in successfully introducing elephant tourism as a model ward in Nepal and prioritizing local production in Gundri and Pirama. Alongside these responsibilities, I have undertaken numerous other tasks aimed at the development and promotion of tourism and local communities.
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Panelists
Ms. Joanna Haugen
Award-Winning Writer, Public Speaker, Consultant, Founder of Rooted Storytelling
JoAnna Haugen is a distinguished writer, speaker, consultant, and advocate known for her innovative contributions to the travel and tourism industry. With a career spanning communications-focused roles in this field, JoAnna has dedicated herself to promoting sustainability and social impact through storytelling. As the founder of Rooted, an influential solutions platform, JoAnna is in charge of advancing sustainable tourism practices and strategic storytelling to transform travel experiences. Her expertise has garnered recognition from numerous publications, with her work featured in over 60 print and online outlets, including AFAR, Fast Company, and BBC Travel. In addition to her writing achievements, JoAnna has held editorial positions for esteemed publications such as Adventure Travel News and Matador Network. Her impactful contributions have earned her accolades, including being named a winner in the storytelling category of Newsweek's Future of Tourism awards. An avid traveler and international election observer, JoAnna currently calls Carthage, Tunisia, home.
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Ms. Priyanka Singh
Community Tourism Project Manager, Asia-Pacific, Planeterra
Priyanka is an avid traveller and passionate development worker. For Priyanka, Planeterra provided the perfect synergy to continue doing what she loves while spreading the benefits of tourism. With almost 15 years experience working with communities and a Masters degree in Conflict Analysis and Peace Building, Priyanka’s work has brought her to remote locations across India, as well as Cambodia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. These experiences made her see the kindness and desire to provide a healthy life for our families that connects us all. As the Community Tourism Project Manager, Asia-Pacific, Priyanka works closely with Planeterra partners across Asia Pacific. From stewarding communities, community tourism integration, and mentoring communities, part of Planeterra’s Global Community Tourism Network is just a few things that make up her regular work day.
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Mr. Atulya Pandey
Co-CEO, Outside Tech
Atulya Pandey is the co-CEO of Outside, a Kathmandu-based design and technology studio with a global footprint. With over 12 years in tech, he's led Outside to complete 200+ projects for clients like The New Yorker, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Statue of Liberty Foundation. Atulya focuses on strategy, operations, and sales and is passionate about using technology to empower communities, as seen in his work with Community Homestay.
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Mr. Ashis Prakash Gupta
A Dedicated Tour Leader, Royal Mountain Travel
Ashis Prakash Gupta is a devoted Tour Leader based in Nepal, hailing from the picturesque town of Panauti renowned for its cultural richness and natural splendor. His fascination with tourism blossomed in his formative years, driven by a profound appreciation for Nepal's diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, particularly in regions like Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna. With over a decade of guiding experience, Ashis has had the RMT’s website privilege of introducing travelers from around the globe to the wonders of Nepal. His interactions with people of varied backgrounds fuel his passion for curating unforgettable experiences. Committed to excellence, Ashis ensures that each trip is both memorable and educational, meticulously tailored to meet the desires of his guests. Whether one seeks Himalayan adventures or cultural immersion, Ashis is dedicated to crafting the perfect journey into the uncharted realms of Nepal.
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Partner's Remarks
Ms. Agnes Luz
Chief of Party for USAID Trade and Competitiveness
Meet our speaker for Partner's Remark, Ms. Agnes Luz, Chief of Party at USAID Trade and Competitiveness, who brings three decades of expertise in enterprise development and market systems across Asia and Africa. Her leadership spans multimillion-dollar projects, focusing on sectors like agriculture, IT, and tourism. Passionate about sustainable development, she champions nature conservation and community-based initiatives, evident in her ecotourism resort project in the Philippines.
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Dr. Anu Kumari Lama
Tourism Specialist Resilient mountain economies and landscapes (SG2) Transforming livelihoods and economies (SG2-AAC)
Meet our speaker for Partner's Remark, Dr. Anu Kumari Lama, who leads the Sustainable Mountain Tourism Component (STMC) at ICIMOD, enhancing resilient economies and landscapes in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Her work supports climate action in tourism, aligning with the Paris Agreement and SDGs. She also heads a responsible tourism project in Dhankuta under the HIGRID Initiative and contributes to the Tourism Panel on Climate Change. Dr. Lama’s dedication to sustainable tourism and climate resilience drives positive change locally and globally.
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Ms. Choy Teh
PR Manager for Visit Monaco & New Caledonia Tourism
Meet our speaker for Partner's Remark, Ms. Choy Teh, Public Relations Manager for Horus Development & Consulting, a leading luxury and sustainable consultancy firm in Singapore representing Visit Monaco and New Caledonia Tourism in Asia. With over a decade in the travel industry, she excels in crafting content and securing media coverage, amplifying these destinations' appeal. Her passion for sustainable practices is evident in her GSTC certification. Choy's 18-year career in media and entertainment has earned her recognition across Southeast Asia. She thrived on public speaking and storytelling and founded Sapta Collective to mentor aspiring travel professionals and promote sustainable travel practices, aiming to drive meaningful change in the tourism industry.
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