Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) Adventure Champions are the vanguards of the adventure travel industry, having been members of ATTA and leaders in the community for a minimum of 15 years. They are true believers in the power of adventure travel and have made an impact on the direction of ATTA and on the industry as a whole. To honor their commitment to their ethos and lasting contribution to the adventure travel industry, we are spotlighting Adventure Champions through a series of interviews.
Ace the Himalaya
Trekking and Tour Operator
Headquarters: Nepal
ATTA Member since 2007
Ace the Himalaya specializes in trekking, mountain biking, peak climbing, rafting, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and other special itineraries. Ace offers both pre-planned itineraries and custom travel planning services in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India. Ace can also accommodate large groups, having worked with student groups of about 250 travelers. Trip styles include have voluntourism itineraries and trips for foreign independent travel (FITs) to book the trip directly from the website. Ace also works as a ground-handling partner for many international brands.
Introducing Prem K Khatri, Managing Director and CEO of Ace the Himalaya:
I’m Prem K. Khatry, CEO and Managing Director of Ace the Himalaya. I grew up in a mountainous village in the Manaslu region of the Gorkha district and was inspired by the stunning natural beauty of the area. My love for the outdoors led me to become a trekking Sherpa and eventually a guide, where I continued to explore the Himalayas and felt a strong connection to the culture and hospitality of the region. After years of experience, I founded Ace the Himalaya to share this incredible part of the world with others who share my passion for adventure and the Himalayan culture.
Why have you stayed an ATTA member for 15+ years?
The opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, build a robust network, and attend the exhilarating ATWS events have been invaluable in my personal and professional growth. I am proud to be a part of this community and look forward to many more years of exciting adventures with my ATTA family.
What is the greatest force that drives you to work everyday?
The desire to provide our customers with unique and unforgettable experiences is what motivates me to go to work every day. Overall, my greatest driving force is the belief that travel can foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and environmental conservation, and I’m privileged to share this belief with our travelers and team, fueling my motivation to create enriching travel experiences.
What gives you hope about the next generation of adventure travel leaders?
The next generation of adventure travel leaders is aware of the challenges facing our planet and is committed to finding innovative solutions that balance tourism development with environmental and cultural conservation. I believe that the next generation of adventure travel leaders will bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose to the industry, and I’m excited to see the positive impact they will make.
What is your advice for young adventure travel companies?
My advice for young adventure travel companies is to embrace sustainability, form inclusive partnerships with local communities, and create innovative and purposeful travel experiences that are unique and transformative.
What gets you excited about the future of adventure travel?
I’m excited about the future of adventure travel because of the increasing demand for unique and authentic experiences, and the growth of technology and its integration into adventure travel. This opens up new frontiers and enables us to create unique and innovative experiences for our customers while keeping safety and sustainability at the forefront.
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