The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) executive committee member Desh Bandhu Basnet has been appointed the chairperson of the Tourism and Air Transport Committee for a period of three years.

Basnet, a 2020 and 2023 elected executive committee member of FNCCI, served as Chairperson in Bi-National and NRN Coordination Forum before joining as Chairperson in the Tourism and Air Transport Committee. 

Basnet is also a Honorary Consul of the Republic of Zambia for Nepal and an executive committee member of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI). 

He is the chairman of AB Holding, a Nepal-based conglomerate, engaged mainly in the field of project and infrastructure development, hotels and tourism, manufacturing, healthcare and real estate and owns various projects under the portfolio. 

Some of his recent projects are The Metropolitan Hotel, a 5-star property at Kathmandu, Sukedhara, in association with Mercure by Accor Hotel; Manakamana Retreat Resort and Spa Pvt Ltd and Premium Resort at Manakamana, Gorkha in association with Sarovar Premium by Sarovar Hotels and Resort. 

Similarly, Grand Central Hotel, another 5-star property at Itahari, Sunsari is also proposed to operate in association with Ramada By Wyndham Hotels and Resort.