Randeep Sijapati / Director / Simsime Institute of Management
Randeep Sijapati is a dynamic professional with a strong background in the travel and tourism industry, currently serving as the Director of Simsime Travels and Tours & Simsime Institute of Management. With extensive experience garnered from roles at Qatar Airways, Yeti Holidays, and Aarya Tara Travel and Tour, Randeep has honed his expertise in customer service, flight operations, and tour management. Passionate about travel, Randeep has explored over 35 plus countries, which fuels his enthusiasm for sharing travel experiences and working with people from diverse cultures. He decided to return back to Nepal after working for seven and a half years at Qatar Airways in Doha.
Why did you leave your job at Qatar Airways in Qatar and decide to return to Nepal?
After visiting 35 countries and gaining valuable knowledge and experience in the airlines and tourism sectors, I made the decision to return to Nepal to share my expertise and contribute to the growth of the industry in my home country. My extensive travels have provided me with a deep understanding of different cultures, customer preferences, and industry best practices, which I believe can be leveraged to enhance the tourism landscape in Nepal. By returning home, I aim to play a proactive role in fostering innovation, improving service standards by providing the skilled training, and promoting sustainable tourism practices that showcase the rich diversity and beauty of Nepal to the world.
Upon returning to Nepal, what motivated you to become involved in Tourism Training Management?
Upon returning to Nepal, I was motivated to become involved in the Tourism Training Management sector due to my passion for sharing knowledge and experiences gained during my tenure in the tourism industry abroad. I recognized the importance of investing in the development of skilled manpower to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Nepal's tourism sector. Additionally, I observed a significant shortage of skilled manpower in Nepal's tourism industry, coupled with a prevalence of unskilled workers and a lack of competitiveness. By addressing these challenges through targeted training and development initiatives, I aimed to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled professionals while elevating the overall standards of the industry.
What types of Training your institute offered?
At our institute, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of tourism-related training programs and services to cater to the diverse needs of aspiring professionals and businesses in the industry. Here's an overview of the types of training and services we provide:
Airlines Ticketing,
Tour Product Development
Air Fares and Ticketing
Diploma in Travel and Tourism
Serving the Travel Customer
Airlines Customer Service
What other services does your institute provide besides training?
Simsime Institute of Management offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of the tourism industry:
Tourism Related Training: Our specialized training programs cover various aspects of the tourism sector, including tour guiding, hospitality management, destination marketing, and sustainable tourism practices.
Travel Business Consulting: We provide expert consulting services to travel businesses, offering strategic guidance on business development, marketing strategies, operational efficiency, and customer experience enhancement.
On-The-Job Training (OJT): Through our OJT programs, we facilitate hands-on learning experiences for individuals seeking to gain practical skills and industry insights directly within tourism organizations.
Staff/Interns Placement: We connect talented individuals with opportunities
You mentioned that there is a skilled manpower shortage in Nepal's tourism industry. Could you please explain the reasons behind this?
The skilled manpower shortage in Nepal's tourism industry can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there may be limited access to quality education and training programs tailored to the specific needs of the industry. Additionally, the high turnover rates in the sector, often influenced by seasonal employment and better opportunities abroad, contribute to the shortage of skilled professionals. Moreover, the lack of clear career progression pathways and incentives for skills development may discourage individuals from pursuing long-term careers in tourism. Lastly, the phenomenon of brain drain, where skilled professionals seek opportunities overseas, further exacerbates the shortage. These challenges underscore the importance of investing in education, training, and retention strategies to address the skilled manpower shortage and sustainably develop Nepal's tourism industry.
How is your institute contributing to addressing the skilled manpower shortage in Nepal's tourism industry?
Our institute is actively working to address the skilled manpower shortage in Nepal's tourism industry through various initiatives. We have launched awareness campaigns such as "Together to create skilled human capital in Nepal's tourism Sector," which aims to motivate youth to join the tourism sector. Collaborating with travel agencies, we organize gatherings to inspire young individuals and provide them with insights into the promising career opportunities within the travel industry. Additionally, we conduct visits to colleges, where we deliver presentations on the career prospects in tourism and offer a clear picture of the industry. By motivating youth, equipping them with essential skills, and assisting in their placement, we are effectively addressing the issue of unskilled labor and unemployment while nurturing a pool of skilled manpower for the travel industry. Currently, we have garnered support from 35 travel companies for our campaigns, with many more expressing interest in joining our cause.
In conclusion, the challenges of skilled manpower shortage in Nepal's tourism industry are multifaceted, encompassing factors such as limited access to quality education, high turnover rates, lack of career progression pathways, and brain drain. However, initiatives led by organizations like Simsime Institute of Management are actively working to address these challenges. Through specialized training programs, travel business consulting services, on-the-job training opportunities, and collaboration with travel agencies, the institute is playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between demand and supply of skilled professionals in the tourism sector. By investing in education, training, and retention strategies, Nepal's tourism industry can overcome the skilled manpower shortage and thrive sustainably in the global market.
