Nepal Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) has put forward an ambitious plan to develop itself as the first deemed university in Nepal by prioritizing academic progress and structural reforms. 

Executive Director Divyaraj Pokharel gave this information on the occasion of its 53rd anniversary. A deemed university is an educational institution that has been granted special recognition by the government, which is given the same rights as a university, but it is not a fully established traditional university. Such institutions usually have made outstanding contributions in a particular field. On that basis, they are given high academic freedom.

The main feature of a deemed university is that it has the right to formulate its own curriculum, conduct examinations and award degrees. Due to this, such an institution can provide timely, market-oriented and international-level education. Colleges affiliated to traditional universities usually have to run according to the curriculum determined by the university, but deemed universities can run educational programs according to their own decisions.

According to him, the currently operating Master of Hospitality program will be revised and  The process of converting the MBA in Tourism and Hospitality has reached its final stage. The program will be run in collaboration with Tribhuvan University, which is believed to ensure education as per international standards.

Along with this, preparations are being made to start a Diploma in Culinary Arts program based on the demand of the new generation. Which is expected to further contribute to the production of skilled manpower in the tourism and hospitality sector. Executive Director Pokharel mentioned that there is a long-term plan to develop Natham as a central hub for tourism and hospitality education. According to him, the goal is to expand the institution across the country and establish branches in all seven provinces and provide quality education at the local level.

In addition, a plan has been taken forward to digitize the entire service system and promote the use of green energy through the Digital Natham concept. It has been informed that preparations are being made to operate the institution completely on solar energy. Also prioritizing international collaboration. It is said that initiatives are being taken to expand cooperation with the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and KOICA.