Nepals First Hospitality Management College
🌟 Nepal’s First BHM College: NATHM – A Pioneer in Hospitality Education
In the heart of Kathmandu stands an institution that has shaped the future of thousands of hospitality professionals—not just with skills, but with pride. The Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) holds the honor of being the first college in Nepal to offer a Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) degree. Its legacy is not only historic but transformative for the entire tourism and hospitality industry of Nepal.
📘 A Journey That Began with Vision
NATHM was first established in 1972 as the Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre under the joint initiative of the Government of Nepal, UNDP, and ILO. Initially focused on providing vocational and technical training to aspiring hoteliers, chefs, and tourism workers, NATHM later transitioned into academic excellence with the introduction of the Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) program in 1999.
This move was a turning point—it signified the beginning of structured, academic hotel management education in Nepal. For the first time, students didn’t need to go abroad for a degree in hospitality. Nepal finally had a place to groom its own professionals with internationally aligned standards.
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🏛️ The Program That Set a Standard
The BHM program at NATHM is a four-year, eight-semester course that blends academic theory with extensive hands-on practical training. It includes all essential areas such as:
Front Office Operations
Housekeeping Management
Food & Beverage Service
Culinary Arts (Kitchen Operations)
Hospitality Accounting & Marketing
Tourism & Travel Operations
Students are also required to complete a mandatory internship, either within Nepal or internationally, preparing them for real-world hotel and tourism environments. The program is affiliated with Tribhuvan University, ensuring strong academic credentials.
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📍 Expanding Beyond Kathmandu
NATHM's impact is no longer limited to the capital. In recent years, the college has established branches in several other regions of Nepal including:
Birtamod (Jhapa)
Banke
Mahottari
Bardibas
This expansion ensures that quality hospitality education reaches students across the country, opening opportunities for those who may not be able to relocate to Kathmandu.
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💼 Producing Industry Leaders
Graduates of NATHM are not just employed—they are leading the hospitality industry. Alumni can be found in top management positions across hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agencies, and cruise liners around the world. Many also serve as entrepreneurs, trainers, and educators, contributing back to the very industry that shaped them.
NATHM is widely respected by employers both nationally and internationally for producing competent, confident, and capable professionals.
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🇳🇵 NATHM’s Role in Nation Building
Nepal’s economy is deeply tied to tourism. Initiatives like Visit Nepal 2020 and others emphasize the need for strong hospitality infrastructure. And at the core of this infrastructure is a skilled workforce. NATHM has been playing a crucial role in preparing that workforce, contributing directly to the tourism and economic development of the country.
By developing local talent and reducing the reliance on foreign education or labor, NATHM is empowering Nepal’s youth and strengthening the service sector at home.
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💬 Final Thoughts
If there’s one institution that truly represents the heart and soul of Nepal’s hospitality education, it is NATHM. As the first BHM college in Nepal, it has not only created a path for thousands of students but also uplifted the entire image of Nepalese hospitality on the global stage.
Whether you're a student dreaming of a career in hotels, a parent looking for the best place for your child to study, or a hotelier searching for trained professionals—NATHM is a name you can trust.
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📌 Learn More or Collaborate with Us
At Spider Hospitality, we proudly support and promote Nepal’s educational leaders like NATHM. For more stories, collaborations, or inquiries, feel free to reach us.
