Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Natta) on Friday honoured various personalities for their contribution to the development of Nepal’s tourism.

The Natta Sagarmatha Award was presented to renowned French photographer and director Eric Valli for his contribution in the promotion of Nepal’s tourism. Valli’s celebrated films include Honey Hunters of Nepal, about the Gurung honey hunters of west central Nepal, and Caravan, about a trading community in the Himalaya.

Caravan became the first Nepali film to be nominated for the Best Foreign Film Award at the 1999 Oscars.

“I was here in Nepal when I was 22 years old. I came here and fell in love with Nepal, its beautiful place and the diverse traditions,” said Valli after receiving the award.

“This country has given me so much love that I am obliged to promote this beautiful country.”

Deependra Bahadur Kshetry, former governor of Nepal Rastra Bank was honoured with the Natta Bhaskar Award. Likewise, Chinese celebrity Ming-Yang Jiang was felicitated and declared Natta’s goodwill ambassador. Amrit Bhadgaunle of Nagarik daily and Raju Banskota were also honoured with the Natta media award for their contribution to the country’s tourism through journalism.