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Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '480', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Brand Nepal In NTY 2011 October 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="182" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sajag karki.jpg" style="width: 141px; height: 182px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="141" />By Sajag Karki</span></strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Naturally Nepal is the tagline used by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY). It is hard to say whether a mere tagline with hardly any promotional activities can fulfill its ambitious plan of attracting one million foreign tourists to the country this year. Though the year opened with a bang with the campaign's promotion and big commitments made by its stakeholders, all the fizz surrounding the announcement of NTY has come to an end with less than four months remaining of the year. The campaign took off quite well but vanished in thin air. It would have been an excellent branding opportunity for Nepal and positioned it as an ultimate destination for various tourism activities such as adventure, culture, spiritual, religious and wildlife. Sadly, this has not been the case. Instead of tourists flowing to major destinations of Nepal, it seems that neither the tourists nor the tourism sector have benefited significantly by the government's so-called plan to take tourism sector to greater heights by observing NTY 2011.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">It is quite sad that a campaign initiated by the government falls flat when it comes to implementation. A tourism year is supposed to be full of promotional activities but there has not been a single TV commercial (TVC) created for its advertising which is very surprising. How are potential tourists supposed to know about the various destinations and activities in Nepal? Every country and place has its own specialty such as Egypt has pyramids, Thailand has lovely beaches, Italy has romantic destinations, and so on. Similarly, Nepal specializes in picturesque natural beauty, cultural richness along with ethnic and bio-diversities that can make tourists spellbound alluring them to visit Nepal again and again. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="170" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nty(2).jpg" style="width: 289px; height: 170px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="289" />Nepal can learn from other Asian countries like neighboring India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand that have focused a lot on country's branding and have offered visitors with various attractive packages. They have communicated their country's story via various promotion channels and have created a niche of their own. Some popular promotions include Malaysia “Truly Asiaâ€, Amazing Thailand etc that are being broadcast on major TV channels. India has gone even further with state branding to encourage the tourism flow to their respective states such as Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Gujarat, Orissa etc. Massive promotion budget has been spent with big celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan being brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. Similarly, Nepal needs to narrate an anecdote of its own to let interested ones know about this beautiful country. The rich cultural heritage, the spirit of the Himalayas and the adventure tourism aspect can all be elements of the Nepal's tourism story. Even better would be branding for specific destinations such as Pokhara and Chitwan, positioning each differently to cater to the needs of tourists of all demographics. Pokhara can be promoted as the happening place with natural beauty, adventure sports such as paragliding and salubrious environment to rejuvenate and relax. Similarly, Chitwan can attract tourists for its wildlife resort, elephant safari, camel rides and Tharu ethnical cultural shows. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">It can be said that Nepal hasn't exploited its tourism potential and more importantly has not been promoted the right way. Promotion activities can be done targeting each segment of tourists by highlighting the attributes of the various exciting places of Nepal. In addition, NTY could further boost sales as special privileges could be given during this campaign. Further benefits should be given to tourists who wish to visit in the year 2011. Discount of hotel reservations, special packages on airfare and accommodation along with some freebies will no doubt attract numerous visitors. Moverover, the benefit of visiting Nepal this year as compared to other years should be communicated clearly or else it will just be like any other ordinary year. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Though some efforts have been made by the private sector, this miniscule yet encouraging act must be backed up by robust government spending as it can, apparently, generate revenue for the nation. The promotion should be done on a government level not only by the private organizations. Despite various political, economical and financial barriers faced by the country, there is still enormous scope for a naturally gifted place like ours to excel in the tourism sector. The opening ceremony of NTY was marked with huge enthusiasm and support from all sectors as even political parties vowed not to organize bandhs as it would have an adverse effect on the tourism campaign. Despite all the bottlenecks, there is still hope to revive the economy through branding of the Nation-Nepal as a visitors paradise. Being a Nepali citizen it is also our responsibility to encourage domestic tourism and spread good word about it to the world. Let's celebrate the spirit of NTY 2011!!!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></strong></div> <div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">(Karki is currently associated with JWT (Thompson Nepal). The article is based on research and author's practical experience as a marketing professional. He can be reached at sajag_karki@hotmail.com)</span></strong></div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2012-11-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Naturally Nepalis the tagline used by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY). It is hard to say whether a mere tagline with hardly.......', 'sortorder' => '390', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '457', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Rexton 2: Built To Satisfy September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">A stylish, powerful and magnificent vehicle has entered into the Nepali market that is about to change the entire definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Rexton 2 is marketed here by Constant Business Group. The company has targeted the 2011 model of Rexton 2 to executives, bureaucrats and other high level customers because of its great design, performance and majestic appearance.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Rexton 2 is a product of Ssangyong, a South Korean company which is one of the fastest growing automobile producers in the world today. The company has been selling its vehicles in 82 countries around the globe since 1954. Rexton 2 is one of the most innovative products from the Korean manufacturer.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The vehicle is the personification of automotive art crafted for those who love to drive. The SUV has design with a great blend of dashing looks and striking performance. It stands apart with Ssangyong’s signature triple line chrome coated grill, unique bonnet lines and projection headlamps. The chrome lettering on the rear and LED side repeaters add to the sophisticated appearance. It has a silver roof rack that serves a functional purpose and giving the vehicle a fashionable look as well. Complementing the design is a rear spoiler with LED, which helps stabilize the vehicle and also looks very sporty.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On the interior, the vehicle has a comfortable seating arrangement for seven. The roomy interior is decorated by rich black tones, and the seats are covered in luxurious and cozy leather. The driver’s seat is power adjustable in eight different ways and the front passenger’s seat is powered to adjust in four to add the comfort. The front and rear seats have five different temperature setting to choose from.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The cabin temperature of Rexton 2 is automatically maintained at the preset level, and the Air Quality Control System keeps dust, smoke and fumes outside the vehicle. For entertainment, there is a USB port for MP3 music and the front console is illuminated by high brightness LEDs that is easy to read at night. It also adds a high-tech feel to the driver’s space.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Regarding the performance of the vehicle, it incorporates the latest engine and transmission technology for a superb all-round performance. The heart of the Rexton 2 is XDi 270 XVTY engine with third generation turbocharger. The five cylinder 2.6 liter diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 132 kW at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 402 Nm at 1600 to 3000 rpm. The engine is equipped with a direct injection system that boosts power and adds fuel efficiency ensuring more economic operation. With the power and performance and a smooth 5-speed manual transmission, Rexton 2 qualifies as a great SUV with steering stability and a tight grip both on and off the road.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Also, worth mentioning are the safety features employed by the vehicle. Rexton 2 has been designed to withstand impacts and disperse the impact force very effectively. The rigid triple layer frame is built to absorb and disperse shocks and impacts of all kind. This provides less vibration during normal operation, longer durability and greater safety in case of a collision. Also, it has front dual airbags, safety belt pre-tensioner and load limiter. It also has a unique speed-sensing door lock which locks all the doors whenever the vehicle reaches a preset speed. The vehicle is also equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill Descent Control for more protection to the driver and the passengers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">With an amazing design, superb performance and luxury, Rexton 2 can be yours at a cost of Rs 5,550,000. For the servicing of the vehicle, there is a servicing centre at Balaju. The company is giving a warranty of 35,000 kms or for a period of two years. Also, six free servicing are provided to the customers. The company claims that all the spare parts are readily available at the service centers.</span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'A stylish, powerful and magnificent vehicle has entered into the Nepali market that is about to change the entire definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Rexton 2 is marketed here by....', 'sortorder' => '367', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '456', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Ride Your Desire With New Zotye September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For those who want to switch from their small cars to SUV, a new offering is in the market. Constant Business Group has introduced a new model of Zotye, which according to the company is probably the most affordable SUV in Nepal and costs no more than compact cars available in the market. At Rs 2,450,000, Zotye truly appears to be the most affordable vehicle of its kind.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The company has already sold more than 300 units of previous versions of the vehicle. The older models were available in 1.3 and 1.6 litre engines. The new model is powered by a 1.5 litre engine with a number of added features and facilities. Zotye has managed to reduce the price without compromising the quality, says the company. And even at this price, there is a lot to expect from Zotye 1.5 in terms of quality and safety. This made-in-China SUV is powered by Mitsubishi engine, which assures the much needed reliability.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The design of the new Zotye is quite impressive and elegant with a perfect balance. The design is complemented by crystal diamond halogen headlamps and large strip combination tail lamps. It also features round fog lamp and a large inlet grill. Other external features include energy absorbing front bumper and a folding electric outer rear view mirror with turning lamp. The five-door five-seater vehicle exhibits its sporty look through a stylish roof rack, a spoiler with high brake lamp and a fashionable backup tyre cover. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On the inside, the SUV appears well-equipped with features like air conditioner, power steering, electric windows, children’s lock, central locking system and a music system with 4-speaker stereo with CD player and FM radio. It also has a multi-function luggage carrier.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Its Mitsubishi 4G15 inline four cylinder, 16 valve SOHC petrol engine with multi point electric fuel injection produces a maximum power of 78 KW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 134 Nm at 4500 rpm to support the company’s claim that the car is relatively powerful despite the small size. The vehicle is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, driven by the rear wheels. It can go up to a maximum speed of 145 km per hour. The car is affordable and economic at the same time because of its mileage. According to the company, it gives a mileage of 12 to 14 kms in the city and 16 to 18 kms on the highways.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The high ground clearance of the Zotye at 200mm, along with McPherson struts on the front and 5-rods suspension on the rear proves to be beneficial on potholed roads and also off roads. It is equipped with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear, with vacuum booster.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For safety, the SUV is equipped with ABS and three point seat belts on all the seats. The vehicle also features driver’s safety belt alarm system, alight head lamp alarm system and over speed alarm system that help to keep the driver alert and avoid accidents. There is also energy absorbing steering and high anti-impact steel girder on all the doors that reduce the damage at the event of collision. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The company is providing a warranty of 2 years or 35,000 kms, whichever is earlier. The company claims that it provides excellent servicing of the vehicle from its service centre at Balaju. With really affordable pricing and the promised excellent specifications, it seems that Zotye 1.5 is likely to enjoy great success in the market.</span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'For those who want to switch from their small cars to SUV, a new offering is in the market. Constant Business Group has introduced a new model of Zotye, which according to the..........', 'sortorder' => '366', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '455', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Banking On Brand Image September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span><img alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/default-banner-size_for-featured.gif" vspace="10" /><br /> <br /> By<strong> Sajag Karki<br /> <br /> </strong></span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Banks in Nepal are one of the biggest spenders on advertising and promotion. All banks are trying to create their niche through brand identity and positioning. While the older commercial banks enjoy the privilege of better brand image and command respect in the minds of customers due to their long standing presence, the newer banks are putting in great effort to establish their brand name.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Well reputable banks such as Standard Chartered Bank, Everest Bank, Nabil Bank, Himalayan Bank and Nepal Investment Bank have a different kind of image among general public that can be attributed to their early mover advantage and robust financial performance in the banking sector. Standard Chartered Bank being a multinational company seems to follow centralised branding approach set by its parent company with localised content to suit the Nepalese audience. Its target customers are mostly middle to high-end individuals. Hence, it uses sophisticated message in all its communication mediums. Its print and broadcast medium follows the same branding framework which gives a consistent feel in its communication materials. As the bank has positioned itself globally as Here for good which represents positive change in all the countries it operates by providing quality banking services. It also shows their inclination towards CSR as an integral part of their company value which has been incorporated in their branding. Similarly, the other established banks have their own distinct brand identity which has helped in enhancement of their brand image.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It is evident that any type of product promotion is done to compete with similar products in the market. As there are 31 commercial banks, there is tough competition among newer banks to attain share of mind among its customers and to break the clutter. However, the banking sector has healthy competition as compared to FMCG or any other sector as the whole banking fraternity is collectively trying to gain back the lost confidence of consumers due to the liquidity crisis.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Among development banks, the branding of Ace Development Bank seems to be the most prominent and ranks highest in terms of awareness due to its consistent and clear positioning. It has chosen a Rhino as its mascot which represents security and also its CSR activity focuses on Rhino conservation. The TVC of Ace featuring the Rhino mascot is very unique and of high quality animation. It has done secondary brand positioning via its advertisement, giving emphasis to the branding and security rather than its actual product attributes. Every aspect of the TVC is perfect, and it also hits competitors by saying It's a jungle out there, convincing customers to choose Ace for their financial security out of the numerous banks in the market.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Unlike foreign banks, most Nepali banks do not actually follow a set guideline for branding and are limited to being informative and product focused rather than in branding. Talking about foreign banks, HSBC is named one of the world's most valuable banking brands by The banking magazine. Established in 1991, the HSBC group operates as a number of local brands around the world. Hence, its advertising tagline explains its global positioning as The World's Local Bank. This popularity and awareness does not come overnight, it's their smart branding strategy right from the start-up phase to the present day that has made it the ultimate banking brand. HSBC account has been handled by WPP group in which JWT is the lead ad agency. The point is, in order to be the best bank, branding must be done right from beginning so that there will be high brand equity as the company grows. Creating a robust brand identity via its communication is one of the highest priorities for any brand. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Among the younger breed of banks, NMB has focused well on branding as compared to newer competition. NMB's target is middle-class to high-end customers and its TVC and print ad has positioned the bank as a young and reliable bank and has brought products and services in line with its target customers. KIST Bank's branding advertisement is quite good and its awareness level is very high. Though it is in top of mind in terms of awareness, it has yet to gain confidence of its stakeholders. Also, its metaphor TVC is complicated for its targeted grass roots customers to comprehend so there is a mismatch between the segmenting and the positioning of KIST. Other banks such as Laxmi Bank has positioned itself quite differently as the one bringing in innovative high-tech banking in the Nepalese market. This is the Point of Differentiation (POD) of the bank. Also, its bright orange color has helped a lot in its brand awareness as people relate the color orange with the company. BOK branded itself as Be OK which is quite interesting and catchy. Everest Bank's testimonial ad featuring all demographics conveys first person views including that of housewife, youngsters, working adults, children and older people. This represents their distinctive image of strong, consistent and progressive among competitors.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In a developing country like ours, banking sector has far exceeded people's expectations and has adopted international standards to a certain extent. The large volume of banks has actually been beneficial for the customers as they can choose the most suitable bank among the existing banks. In the time of liquidity crisis where banks are focusing more on deposit mobilisation, it is understandable that spending extra budget for branding might not be reasonable. However, situations might improve in the near future and branding shall certainly take priority as banks have to differentiate themselves to compete to be the best. However, branding and placement of product offerings have changed in the past few years where marketers have started using various non-traditional mediums as well as traditional mediums but in a different way for promotion. Social networking sites such as facebook and twitter has played a pivotal role in the contemporary advertising scenario. Smart placement of products and services in movies and reality shows has also been seen in recent times. Viral marketing (strategic use of Internet combined with word of mouth promotion) and PR are also some latest marketing tools that can be used for the betterment of brand image, which the banking sector in Nepal can adopt.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><i>(Karki is currently associated with Thompson Nepal Pvt Ltd and has a couple of years of experience in the banking sector. The article is based on research and authors practical experience as a marketing professional. He can be reached at sajag_karki@hotmail.com)</i></strong></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2012-11-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Banks in Nepal are one of the biggest spenders on advertising and promotion. All banks are trying to create their niche through brand identity and positioning. While the older commercial ......', 'sortorder' => '365', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '480', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Brand Nepal In NTY 2011 October 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="182" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sajag karki.jpg" style="width: 141px; height: 182px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="141" />By Sajag Karki</span></strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Naturally Nepal is the tagline used by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY). It is hard to say whether a mere tagline with hardly any promotional activities can fulfill its ambitious plan of attracting one million foreign tourists to the country this year. Though the year opened with a bang with the campaign's promotion and big commitments made by its stakeholders, all the fizz surrounding the announcement of NTY has come to an end with less than four months remaining of the year. The campaign took off quite well but vanished in thin air. It would have been an excellent branding opportunity for Nepal and positioned it as an ultimate destination for various tourism activities such as adventure, culture, spiritual, religious and wildlife. Sadly, this has not been the case. Instead of tourists flowing to major destinations of Nepal, it seems that neither the tourists nor the tourism sector have benefited significantly by the government's so-called plan to take tourism sector to greater heights by observing NTY 2011.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">It is quite sad that a campaign initiated by the government falls flat when it comes to implementation. A tourism year is supposed to be full of promotional activities but there has not been a single TV commercial (TVC) created for its advertising which is very surprising. How are potential tourists supposed to know about the various destinations and activities in Nepal? Every country and place has its own specialty such as Egypt has pyramids, Thailand has lovely beaches, Italy has romantic destinations, and so on. Similarly, Nepal specializes in picturesque natural beauty, cultural richness along with ethnic and bio-diversities that can make tourists spellbound alluring them to visit Nepal again and again. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="170" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nty(2).jpg" style="width: 289px; height: 170px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="289" />Nepal can learn from other Asian countries like neighboring India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand that have focused a lot on country's branding and have offered visitors with various attractive packages. They have communicated their country's story via various promotion channels and have created a niche of their own. Some popular promotions include Malaysia “Truly Asiaâ€, Amazing Thailand etc that are being broadcast on major TV channels. India has gone even further with state branding to encourage the tourism flow to their respective states such as Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Gujarat, Orissa etc. Massive promotion budget has been spent with big celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan being brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. Similarly, Nepal needs to narrate an anecdote of its own to let interested ones know about this beautiful country. The rich cultural heritage, the spirit of the Himalayas and the adventure tourism aspect can all be elements of the Nepal's tourism story. Even better would be branding for specific destinations such as Pokhara and Chitwan, positioning each differently to cater to the needs of tourists of all demographics. Pokhara can be promoted as the happening place with natural beauty, adventure sports such as paragliding and salubrious environment to rejuvenate and relax. Similarly, Chitwan can attract tourists for its wildlife resort, elephant safari, camel rides and Tharu ethnical cultural shows. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">It can be said that Nepal hasn't exploited its tourism potential and more importantly has not been promoted the right way. Promotion activities can be done targeting each segment of tourists by highlighting the attributes of the various exciting places of Nepal. In addition, NTY could further boost sales as special privileges could be given during this campaign. Further benefits should be given to tourists who wish to visit in the year 2011. Discount of hotel reservations, special packages on airfare and accommodation along with some freebies will no doubt attract numerous visitors. Moverover, the benefit of visiting Nepal this year as compared to other years should be communicated clearly or else it will just be like any other ordinary year. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Though some efforts have been made by the private sector, this miniscule yet encouraging act must be backed up by robust government spending as it can, apparently, generate revenue for the nation. The promotion should be done on a government level not only by the private organizations. Despite various political, economical and financial barriers faced by the country, there is still enormous scope for a naturally gifted place like ours to excel in the tourism sector. The opening ceremony of NTY was marked with huge enthusiasm and support from all sectors as even political parties vowed not to organize bandhs as it would have an adverse effect on the tourism campaign. Despite all the bottlenecks, there is still hope to revive the economy through branding of the Nation-Nepal as a visitors paradise. Being a Nepali citizen it is also our responsibility to encourage domestic tourism and spread good word about it to the world. Let's celebrate the spirit of NTY 2011!!!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></strong></div> <div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">(Karki is currently associated with JWT (Thompson Nepal). The article is based on research and author's practical experience as a marketing professional. He can be reached at sajag_karki@hotmail.com)</span></strong></div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2012-11-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Naturally Nepalis the tagline used by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY). It is hard to say whether a mere tagline with hardly.......', 'sortorder' => '390', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '457', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Rexton 2: Built To Satisfy September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">A stylish, powerful and magnificent vehicle has entered into the Nepali market that is about to change the entire definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Rexton 2 is marketed here by Constant Business Group. The company has targeted the 2011 model of Rexton 2 to executives, bureaucrats and other high level customers because of its great design, performance and majestic appearance.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Rexton 2 is a product of Ssangyong, a South Korean company which is one of the fastest growing automobile producers in the world today. The company has been selling its vehicles in 82 countries around the globe since 1954. Rexton 2 is one of the most innovative products from the Korean manufacturer.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The vehicle is the personification of automotive art crafted for those who love to drive. The SUV has design with a great blend of dashing looks and striking performance. It stands apart with Ssangyong’s signature triple line chrome coated grill, unique bonnet lines and projection headlamps. The chrome lettering on the rear and LED side repeaters add to the sophisticated appearance. It has a silver roof rack that serves a functional purpose and giving the vehicle a fashionable look as well. Complementing the design is a rear spoiler with LED, which helps stabilize the vehicle and also looks very sporty.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On the interior, the vehicle has a comfortable seating arrangement for seven. The roomy interior is decorated by rich black tones, and the seats are covered in luxurious and cozy leather. The driver’s seat is power adjustable in eight different ways and the front passenger’s seat is powered to adjust in four to add the comfort. The front and rear seats have five different temperature setting to choose from.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The cabin temperature of Rexton 2 is automatically maintained at the preset level, and the Air Quality Control System keeps dust, smoke and fumes outside the vehicle. For entertainment, there is a USB port for MP3 music and the front console is illuminated by high brightness LEDs that is easy to read at night. It also adds a high-tech feel to the driver’s space.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Regarding the performance of the vehicle, it incorporates the latest engine and transmission technology for a superb all-round performance. The heart of the Rexton 2 is XDi 270 XVTY engine with third generation turbocharger. The five cylinder 2.6 liter diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 132 kW at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 402 Nm at 1600 to 3000 rpm. The engine is equipped with a direct injection system that boosts power and adds fuel efficiency ensuring more economic operation. With the power and performance and a smooth 5-speed manual transmission, Rexton 2 qualifies as a great SUV with steering stability and a tight grip both on and off the road.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Also, worth mentioning are the safety features employed by the vehicle. Rexton 2 has been designed to withstand impacts and disperse the impact force very effectively. The rigid triple layer frame is built to absorb and disperse shocks and impacts of all kind. This provides less vibration during normal operation, longer durability and greater safety in case of a collision. Also, it has front dual airbags, safety belt pre-tensioner and load limiter. It also has a unique speed-sensing door lock which locks all the doors whenever the vehicle reaches a preset speed. The vehicle is also equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill Descent Control for more protection to the driver and the passengers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">With an amazing design, superb performance and luxury, Rexton 2 can be yours at a cost of Rs 5,550,000. For the servicing of the vehicle, there is a servicing centre at Balaju. The company is giving a warranty of 35,000 kms or for a period of two years. Also, six free servicing are provided to the customers. The company claims that all the spare parts are readily available at the service centers.</span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'A stylish, powerful and magnificent vehicle has entered into the Nepali market that is about to change the entire definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Rexton 2 is marketed here by....', 'sortorder' => '367', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '456', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Ride Your Desire With New Zotye September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For those who want to switch from their small cars to SUV, a new offering is in the market. Constant Business Group has introduced a new model of Zotye, which according to the company is probably the most affordable SUV in Nepal and costs no more than compact cars available in the market. At Rs 2,450,000, Zotye truly appears to be the most affordable vehicle of its kind.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The company has already sold more than 300 units of previous versions of the vehicle. The older models were available in 1.3 and 1.6 litre engines. The new model is powered by a 1.5 litre engine with a number of added features and facilities. Zotye has managed to reduce the price without compromising the quality, says the company. And even at this price, there is a lot to expect from Zotye 1.5 in terms of quality and safety. This made-in-China SUV is powered by Mitsubishi engine, which assures the much needed reliability.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The design of the new Zotye is quite impressive and elegant with a perfect balance. The design is complemented by crystal diamond halogen headlamps and large strip combination tail lamps. It also features round fog lamp and a large inlet grill. Other external features include energy absorbing front bumper and a folding electric outer rear view mirror with turning lamp. The five-door five-seater vehicle exhibits its sporty look through a stylish roof rack, a spoiler with high brake lamp and a fashionable backup tyre cover. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On the inside, the SUV appears well-equipped with features like air conditioner, power steering, electric windows, children’s lock, central locking system and a music system with 4-speaker stereo with CD player and FM radio. It also has a multi-function luggage carrier.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Its Mitsubishi 4G15 inline four cylinder, 16 valve SOHC petrol engine with multi point electric fuel injection produces a maximum power of 78 KW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 134 Nm at 4500 rpm to support the company’s claim that the car is relatively powerful despite the small size. The vehicle is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, driven by the rear wheels. It can go up to a maximum speed of 145 km per hour. The car is affordable and economic at the same time because of its mileage. According to the company, it gives a mileage of 12 to 14 kms in the city and 16 to 18 kms on the highways.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The high ground clearance of the Zotye at 200mm, along with McPherson struts on the front and 5-rods suspension on the rear proves to be beneficial on potholed roads and also off roads. It is equipped with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear, with vacuum booster.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For safety, the SUV is equipped with ABS and three point seat belts on all the seats. The vehicle also features driver’s safety belt alarm system, alight head lamp alarm system and over speed alarm system that help to keep the driver alert and avoid accidents. There is also energy absorbing steering and high anti-impact steel girder on all the doors that reduce the damage at the event of collision. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The company is providing a warranty of 2 years or 35,000 kms, whichever is earlier. The company claims that it provides excellent servicing of the vehicle from its service centre at Balaju. With really affordable pricing and the promised excellent specifications, it seems that Zotye 1.5 is likely to enjoy great success in the market.</span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'For those who want to switch from their small cars to SUV, a new offering is in the market. Constant Business Group has introduced a new model of Zotye, which according to the..........', 'sortorder' => '366', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '455', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Banking On Brand Image September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span><img alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/default-banner-size_for-featured.gif" vspace="10" /><br /> <br /> By<strong> Sajag Karki<br /> <br /> </strong></span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Banks in Nepal are one of the biggest spenders on advertising and promotion. All banks are trying to create their niche through brand identity and positioning. While the older commercial banks enjoy the privilege of better brand image and command respect in the minds of customers due to their long standing presence, the newer banks are putting in great effort to establish their brand name.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Well reputable banks such as Standard Chartered Bank, Everest Bank, Nabil Bank, Himalayan Bank and Nepal Investment Bank have a different kind of image among general public that can be attributed to their early mover advantage and robust financial performance in the banking sector. Standard Chartered Bank being a multinational company seems to follow centralised branding approach set by its parent company with localised content to suit the Nepalese audience. Its target customers are mostly middle to high-end individuals. Hence, it uses sophisticated message in all its communication mediums. Its print and broadcast medium follows the same branding framework which gives a consistent feel in its communication materials. As the bank has positioned itself globally as Here for good which represents positive change in all the countries it operates by providing quality banking services. It also shows their inclination towards CSR as an integral part of their company value which has been incorporated in their branding. Similarly, the other established banks have their own distinct brand identity which has helped in enhancement of their brand image.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It is evident that any type of product promotion is done to compete with similar products in the market. As there are 31 commercial banks, there is tough competition among newer banks to attain share of mind among its customers and to break the clutter. However, the banking sector has healthy competition as compared to FMCG or any other sector as the whole banking fraternity is collectively trying to gain back the lost confidence of consumers due to the liquidity crisis.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Among development banks, the branding of Ace Development Bank seems to be the most prominent and ranks highest in terms of awareness due to its consistent and clear positioning. It has chosen a Rhino as its mascot which represents security and also its CSR activity focuses on Rhino conservation. The TVC of Ace featuring the Rhino mascot is very unique and of high quality animation. It has done secondary brand positioning via its advertisement, giving emphasis to the branding and security rather than its actual product attributes. Every aspect of the TVC is perfect, and it also hits competitors by saying It's a jungle out there, convincing customers to choose Ace for their financial security out of the numerous banks in the market.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Unlike foreign banks, most Nepali banks do not actually follow a set guideline for branding and are limited to being informative and product focused rather than in branding. Talking about foreign banks, HSBC is named one of the world's most valuable banking brands by The banking magazine. Established in 1991, the HSBC group operates as a number of local brands around the world. Hence, its advertising tagline explains its global positioning as The World's Local Bank. This popularity and awareness does not come overnight, it's their smart branding strategy right from the start-up phase to the present day that has made it the ultimate banking brand. HSBC account has been handled by WPP group in which JWT is the lead ad agency. The point is, in order to be the best bank, branding must be done right from beginning so that there will be high brand equity as the company grows. Creating a robust brand identity via its communication is one of the highest priorities for any brand. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Among the younger breed of banks, NMB has focused well on branding as compared to newer competition. NMB's target is middle-class to high-end customers and its TVC and print ad has positioned the bank as a young and reliable bank and has brought products and services in line with its target customers. KIST Bank's branding advertisement is quite good and its awareness level is very high. Though it is in top of mind in terms of awareness, it has yet to gain confidence of its stakeholders. Also, its metaphor TVC is complicated for its targeted grass roots customers to comprehend so there is a mismatch between the segmenting and the positioning of KIST. Other banks such as Laxmi Bank has positioned itself quite differently as the one bringing in innovative high-tech banking in the Nepalese market. This is the Point of Differentiation (POD) of the bank. Also, its bright orange color has helped a lot in its brand awareness as people relate the color orange with the company. BOK branded itself as Be OK which is quite interesting and catchy. Everest Bank's testimonial ad featuring all demographics conveys first person views including that of housewife, youngsters, working adults, children and older people. This represents their distinctive image of strong, consistent and progressive among competitors.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In a developing country like ours, banking sector has far exceeded people's expectations and has adopted international standards to a certain extent. The large volume of banks has actually been beneficial for the customers as they can choose the most suitable bank among the existing banks. In the time of liquidity crisis where banks are focusing more on deposit mobilisation, it is understandable that spending extra budget for branding might not be reasonable. However, situations might improve in the near future and branding shall certainly take priority as banks have to differentiate themselves to compete to be the best. However, branding and placement of product offerings have changed in the past few years where marketers have started using various non-traditional mediums as well as traditional mediums but in a different way for promotion. Social networking sites such as facebook and twitter has played a pivotal role in the contemporary advertising scenario. Smart placement of products and services in movies and reality shows has also been seen in recent times. Viral marketing (strategic use of Internet combined with word of mouth promotion) and PR are also some latest marketing tools that can be used for the betterment of brand image, which the banking sector in Nepal can adopt.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><i>(Karki is currently associated with Thompson Nepal Pvt Ltd and has a couple of years of experience in the banking sector. The article is based on research and authors practical experience as a marketing professional. He can be reached at sajag_karki@hotmail.com)</i></strong></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2012-11-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Banks in Nepal are one of the biggest spenders on advertising and promotion. All banks are trying to create their niche through brand identity and positioning. While the older commercial ......', 'sortorder' => '365', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '480', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Brand Nepal In NTY 2011 October 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="182" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sajag karki.jpg" style="width: 141px; height: 182px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="141" />By Sajag Karki</span></strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Naturally Nepal is the tagline used by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY). It is hard to say whether a mere tagline with hardly any promotional activities can fulfill its ambitious plan of attracting one million foreign tourists to the country this year. Though the year opened with a bang with the campaign's promotion and big commitments made by its stakeholders, all the fizz surrounding the announcement of NTY has come to an end with less than four months remaining of the year. The campaign took off quite well but vanished in thin air. It would have been an excellent branding opportunity for Nepal and positioned it as an ultimate destination for various tourism activities such as adventure, culture, spiritual, religious and wildlife. Sadly, this has not been the case. Instead of tourists flowing to major destinations of Nepal, it seems that neither the tourists nor the tourism sector have benefited significantly by the government's so-called plan to take tourism sector to greater heights by observing NTY 2011.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">It is quite sad that a campaign initiated by the government falls flat when it comes to implementation. A tourism year is supposed to be full of promotional activities but there has not been a single TV commercial (TVC) created for its advertising which is very surprising. How are potential tourists supposed to know about the various destinations and activities in Nepal? Every country and place has its own specialty such as Egypt has pyramids, Thailand has lovely beaches, Italy has romantic destinations, and so on. Similarly, Nepal specializes in picturesque natural beauty, cultural richness along with ethnic and bio-diversities that can make tourists spellbound alluring them to visit Nepal again and again. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="170" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nty(2).jpg" style="width: 289px; height: 170px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="289" />Nepal can learn from other Asian countries like neighboring India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand that have focused a lot on country's branding and have offered visitors with various attractive packages. They have communicated their country's story via various promotion channels and have created a niche of their own. Some popular promotions include Malaysia “Truly Asiaâ€, Amazing Thailand etc that are being broadcast on major TV channels. India has gone even further with state branding to encourage the tourism flow to their respective states such as Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Gujarat, Orissa etc. Massive promotion budget has been spent with big celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan being brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. Similarly, Nepal needs to narrate an anecdote of its own to let interested ones know about this beautiful country. The rich cultural heritage, the spirit of the Himalayas and the adventure tourism aspect can all be elements of the Nepal's tourism story. Even better would be branding for specific destinations such as Pokhara and Chitwan, positioning each differently to cater to the needs of tourists of all demographics. Pokhara can be promoted as the happening place with natural beauty, adventure sports such as paragliding and salubrious environment to rejuvenate and relax. Similarly, Chitwan can attract tourists for its wildlife resort, elephant safari, camel rides and Tharu ethnical cultural shows. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">It can be said that Nepal hasn't exploited its tourism potential and more importantly has not been promoted the right way. Promotion activities can be done targeting each segment of tourists by highlighting the attributes of the various exciting places of Nepal. In addition, NTY could further boost sales as special privileges could be given during this campaign. Further benefits should be given to tourists who wish to visit in the year 2011. Discount of hotel reservations, special packages on airfare and accommodation along with some freebies will no doubt attract numerous visitors. Moverover, the benefit of visiting Nepal this year as compared to other years should be communicated clearly or else it will just be like any other ordinary year. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Though some efforts have been made by the private sector, this miniscule yet encouraging act must be backed up by robust government spending as it can, apparently, generate revenue for the nation. The promotion should be done on a government level not only by the private organizations. Despite various political, economical and financial barriers faced by the country, there is still enormous scope for a naturally gifted place like ours to excel in the tourism sector. The opening ceremony of NTY was marked with huge enthusiasm and support from all sectors as even political parties vowed not to organize bandhs as it would have an adverse effect on the tourism campaign. Despite all the bottlenecks, there is still hope to revive the economy through branding of the Nation-Nepal as a visitors paradise. Being a Nepali citizen it is also our responsibility to encourage domestic tourism and spread good word about it to the world. Let's celebrate the spirit of NTY 2011!!!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></strong></div> <div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">(Karki is currently associated with JWT (Thompson Nepal). The article is based on research and author's practical experience as a marketing professional. He can be reached at sajag_karki@hotmail.com)</span></strong></div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2012-11-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Naturally Nepalis the tagline used by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY). It is hard to say whether a mere tagline with hardly.......', 'sortorder' => '390', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '457', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Rexton 2: Built To Satisfy September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">A stylish, powerful and magnificent vehicle has entered into the Nepali market that is about to change the entire definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Rexton 2 is marketed here by Constant Business Group. The company has targeted the 2011 model of Rexton 2 to executives, bureaucrats and other high level customers because of its great design, performance and majestic appearance.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Rexton 2 is a product of Ssangyong, a South Korean company which is one of the fastest growing automobile producers in the world today. The company has been selling its vehicles in 82 countries around the globe since 1954. Rexton 2 is one of the most innovative products from the Korean manufacturer.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The vehicle is the personification of automotive art crafted for those who love to drive. The SUV has design with a great blend of dashing looks and striking performance. It stands apart with Ssangyong’s signature triple line chrome coated grill, unique bonnet lines and projection headlamps. The chrome lettering on the rear and LED side repeaters add to the sophisticated appearance. It has a silver roof rack that serves a functional purpose and giving the vehicle a fashionable look as well. Complementing the design is a rear spoiler with LED, which helps stabilize the vehicle and also looks very sporty.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On the interior, the vehicle has a comfortable seating arrangement for seven. The roomy interior is decorated by rich black tones, and the seats are covered in luxurious and cozy leather. The driver’s seat is power adjustable in eight different ways and the front passenger’s seat is powered to adjust in four to add the comfort. The front and rear seats have five different temperature setting to choose from.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The cabin temperature of Rexton 2 is automatically maintained at the preset level, and the Air Quality Control System keeps dust, smoke and fumes outside the vehicle. For entertainment, there is a USB port for MP3 music and the front console is illuminated by high brightness LEDs that is easy to read at night. It also adds a high-tech feel to the driver’s space.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Regarding the performance of the vehicle, it incorporates the latest engine and transmission technology for a superb all-round performance. The heart of the Rexton 2 is XDi 270 XVTY engine with third generation turbocharger. The five cylinder 2.6 liter diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 132 kW at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 402 Nm at 1600 to 3000 rpm. The engine is equipped with a direct injection system that boosts power and adds fuel efficiency ensuring more economic operation. With the power and performance and a smooth 5-speed manual transmission, Rexton 2 qualifies as a great SUV with steering stability and a tight grip both on and off the road.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Also, worth mentioning are the safety features employed by the vehicle. Rexton 2 has been designed to withstand impacts and disperse the impact force very effectively. The rigid triple layer frame is built to absorb and disperse shocks and impacts of all kind. This provides less vibration during normal operation, longer durability and greater safety in case of a collision. Also, it has front dual airbags, safety belt pre-tensioner and load limiter. It also has a unique speed-sensing door lock which locks all the doors whenever the vehicle reaches a preset speed. The vehicle is also equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill Descent Control for more protection to the driver and the passengers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">With an amazing design, superb performance and luxury, Rexton 2 can be yours at a cost of Rs 5,550,000. For the servicing of the vehicle, there is a servicing centre at Balaju. The company is giving a warranty of 35,000 kms or for a period of two years. Also, six free servicing are provided to the customers. The company claims that all the spare parts are readily available at the service centers.</span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'A stylish, powerful and magnificent vehicle has entered into the Nepali market that is about to change the entire definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Rexton 2 is marketed here by....', 'sortorder' => '367', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '456', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Ride Your Desire With New Zotye September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For those who want to switch from their small cars to SUV, a new offering is in the market. Constant Business Group has introduced a new model of Zotye, which according to the company is probably the most affordable SUV in Nepal and costs no more than compact cars available in the market. At Rs 2,450,000, Zotye truly appears to be the most affordable vehicle of its kind.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The company has already sold more than 300 units of previous versions of the vehicle. The older models were available in 1.3 and 1.6 litre engines. The new model is powered by a 1.5 litre engine with a number of added features and facilities. Zotye has managed to reduce the price without compromising the quality, says the company. And even at this price, there is a lot to expect from Zotye 1.5 in terms of quality and safety. This made-in-China SUV is powered by Mitsubishi engine, which assures the much needed reliability.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The design of the new Zotye is quite impressive and elegant with a perfect balance. The design is complemented by crystal diamond halogen headlamps and large strip combination tail lamps. It also features round fog lamp and a large inlet grill. Other external features include energy absorbing front bumper and a folding electric outer rear view mirror with turning lamp. The five-door five-seater vehicle exhibits its sporty look through a stylish roof rack, a spoiler with high brake lamp and a fashionable backup tyre cover. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On the inside, the SUV appears well-equipped with features like air conditioner, power steering, electric windows, children’s lock, central locking system and a music system with 4-speaker stereo with CD player and FM radio. It also has a multi-function luggage carrier.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Its Mitsubishi 4G15 inline four cylinder, 16 valve SOHC petrol engine with multi point electric fuel injection produces a maximum power of 78 KW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 134 Nm at 4500 rpm to support the company’s claim that the car is relatively powerful despite the small size. The vehicle is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, driven by the rear wheels. It can go up to a maximum speed of 145 km per hour. The car is affordable and economic at the same time because of its mileage. According to the company, it gives a mileage of 12 to 14 kms in the city and 16 to 18 kms on the highways.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The high ground clearance of the Zotye at 200mm, along with McPherson struts on the front and 5-rods suspension on the rear proves to be beneficial on potholed roads and also off roads. It is equipped with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear, with vacuum booster.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For safety, the SUV is equipped with ABS and three point seat belts on all the seats. The vehicle also features driver’s safety belt alarm system, alight head lamp alarm system and over speed alarm system that help to keep the driver alert and avoid accidents. There is also energy absorbing steering and high anti-impact steel girder on all the doors that reduce the damage at the event of collision. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The company is providing a warranty of 2 years or 35,000 kms, whichever is earlier. The company claims that it provides excellent servicing of the vehicle from its service centre at Balaju. With really affordable pricing and the promised excellent specifications, it seems that Zotye 1.5 is likely to enjoy great success in the market.</span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'For those who want to switch from their small cars to SUV, a new offering is in the market. Constant Business Group has introduced a new model of Zotye, which according to the..........', 'sortorder' => '366', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '455', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Banking On Brand Image September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span><img alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/default-banner-size_for-featured.gif" vspace="10" /><br /> <br /> By<strong> Sajag Karki<br /> <br /> </strong></span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Banks in Nepal are one of the biggest spenders on advertising and promotion. All banks are trying to create their niche through brand identity and positioning. While the older commercial banks enjoy the privilege of better brand image and command respect in the minds of customers due to their long standing presence, the newer banks are putting in great effort to establish their brand name.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Well reputable banks such as Standard Chartered Bank, Everest Bank, Nabil Bank, Himalayan Bank and Nepal Investment Bank have a different kind of image among general public that can be attributed to their early mover advantage and robust financial performance in the banking sector. Standard Chartered Bank being a multinational company seems to follow centralised branding approach set by its parent company with localised content to suit the Nepalese audience. Its target customers are mostly middle to high-end individuals. Hence, it uses sophisticated message in all its communication mediums. Its print and broadcast medium follows the same branding framework which gives a consistent feel in its communication materials. As the bank has positioned itself globally as Here for good which represents positive change in all the countries it operates by providing quality banking services. It also shows their inclination towards CSR as an integral part of their company value which has been incorporated in their branding. Similarly, the other established banks have their own distinct brand identity which has helped in enhancement of their brand image.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It is evident that any type of product promotion is done to compete with similar products in the market. As there are 31 commercial banks, there is tough competition among newer banks to attain share of mind among its customers and to break the clutter. However, the banking sector has healthy competition as compared to FMCG or any other sector as the whole banking fraternity is collectively trying to gain back the lost confidence of consumers due to the liquidity crisis.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Among development banks, the branding of Ace Development Bank seems to be the most prominent and ranks highest in terms of awareness due to its consistent and clear positioning. It has chosen a Rhino as its mascot which represents security and also its CSR activity focuses on Rhino conservation. The TVC of Ace featuring the Rhino mascot is very unique and of high quality animation. It has done secondary brand positioning via its advertisement, giving emphasis to the branding and security rather than its actual product attributes. Every aspect of the TVC is perfect, and it also hits competitors by saying It's a jungle out there, convincing customers to choose Ace for their financial security out of the numerous banks in the market.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Unlike foreign banks, most Nepali banks do not actually follow a set guideline for branding and are limited to being informative and product focused rather than in branding. Talking about foreign banks, HSBC is named one of the world's most valuable banking brands by The banking magazine. Established in 1991, the HSBC group operates as a number of local brands around the world. Hence, its advertising tagline explains its global positioning as The World's Local Bank. This popularity and awareness does not come overnight, it's their smart branding strategy right from the start-up phase to the present day that has made it the ultimate banking brand. HSBC account has been handled by WPP group in which JWT is the lead ad agency. The point is, in order to be the best bank, branding must be done right from beginning so that there will be high brand equity as the company grows. Creating a robust brand identity via its communication is one of the highest priorities for any brand. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Among the younger breed of banks, NMB has focused well on branding as compared to newer competition. NMB's target is middle-class to high-end customers and its TVC and print ad has positioned the bank as a young and reliable bank and has brought products and services in line with its target customers. KIST Bank's branding advertisement is quite good and its awareness level is very high. Though it is in top of mind in terms of awareness, it has yet to gain confidence of its stakeholders. Also, its metaphor TVC is complicated for its targeted grass roots customers to comprehend so there is a mismatch between the segmenting and the positioning of KIST. Other banks such as Laxmi Bank has positioned itself quite differently as the one bringing in innovative high-tech banking in the Nepalese market. This is the Point of Differentiation (POD) of the bank. Also, its bright orange color has helped a lot in its brand awareness as people relate the color orange with the company. BOK branded itself as Be OK which is quite interesting and catchy. Everest Bank's testimonial ad featuring all demographics conveys first person views including that of housewife, youngsters, working adults, children and older people. This represents their distinctive image of strong, consistent and progressive among competitors.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In a developing country like ours, banking sector has far exceeded people's expectations and has adopted international standards to a certain extent. The large volume of banks has actually been beneficial for the customers as they can choose the most suitable bank among the existing banks. In the time of liquidity crisis where banks are focusing more on deposit mobilisation, it is understandable that spending extra budget for branding might not be reasonable. However, situations might improve in the near future and branding shall certainly take priority as banks have to differentiate themselves to compete to be the best. However, branding and placement of product offerings have changed in the past few years where marketers have started using various non-traditional mediums as well as traditional mediums but in a different way for promotion. Social networking sites such as facebook and twitter has played a pivotal role in the contemporary advertising scenario. Smart placement of products and services in movies and reality shows has also been seen in recent times. Viral marketing (strategic use of Internet combined with word of mouth promotion) and PR are also some latest marketing tools that can be used for the betterment of brand image, which the banking sector in Nepal can adopt.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><i>(Karki is currently associated with Thompson Nepal Pvt Ltd and has a couple of years of experience in the banking sector. The article is based on research and authors practical experience as a marketing professional. He can be reached at sajag_karki@hotmail.com)</i></strong></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2012-11-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Banks in Nepal are one of the biggest spenders on advertising and promotion. All banks are trying to create their niche through brand identity and positioning. While the older commercial ......', 'sortorder' => '365', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity "" [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]file not found!Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '480', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Brand Nepal In NTY 2011 October 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="182" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sajag karki.jpg" style="width: 141px; height: 182px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="141" />By Sajag Karki</span></strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Naturally Nepal is the tagline used by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY). It is hard to say whether a mere tagline with hardly any promotional activities can fulfill its ambitious plan of attracting one million foreign tourists to the country this year. Though the year opened with a bang with the campaign's promotion and big commitments made by its stakeholders, all the fizz surrounding the announcement of NTY has come to an end with less than four months remaining of the year. The campaign took off quite well but vanished in thin air. It would have been an excellent branding opportunity for Nepal and positioned it as an ultimate destination for various tourism activities such as adventure, culture, spiritual, religious and wildlife. Sadly, this has not been the case. Instead of tourists flowing to major destinations of Nepal, it seems that neither the tourists nor the tourism sector have benefited significantly by the government's so-called plan to take tourism sector to greater heights by observing NTY 2011.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">It is quite sad that a campaign initiated by the government falls flat when it comes to implementation. A tourism year is supposed to be full of promotional activities but there has not been a single TV commercial (TVC) created for its advertising which is very surprising. How are potential tourists supposed to know about the various destinations and activities in Nepal? Every country and place has its own specialty such as Egypt has pyramids, Thailand has lovely beaches, Italy has romantic destinations, and so on. Similarly, Nepal specializes in picturesque natural beauty, cultural richness along with ethnic and bio-diversities that can make tourists spellbound alluring them to visit Nepal again and again. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="170" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/nty(2).jpg" style="width: 289px; height: 170px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="289" />Nepal can learn from other Asian countries like neighboring India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand that have focused a lot on country's branding and have offered visitors with various attractive packages. They have communicated their country's story via various promotion channels and have created a niche of their own. Some popular promotions include Malaysia “Truly Asiaâ€, Amazing Thailand etc that are being broadcast on major TV channels. India has gone even further with state branding to encourage the tourism flow to their respective states such as Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Gujarat, Orissa etc. Massive promotion budget has been spent with big celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan being brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. Similarly, Nepal needs to narrate an anecdote of its own to let interested ones know about this beautiful country. The rich cultural heritage, the spirit of the Himalayas and the adventure tourism aspect can all be elements of the Nepal's tourism story. Even better would be branding for specific destinations such as Pokhara and Chitwan, positioning each differently to cater to the needs of tourists of all demographics. Pokhara can be promoted as the happening place with natural beauty, adventure sports such as paragliding and salubrious environment to rejuvenate and relax. Similarly, Chitwan can attract tourists for its wildlife resort, elephant safari, camel rides and Tharu ethnical cultural shows. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">It can be said that Nepal hasn't exploited its tourism potential and more importantly has not been promoted the right way. Promotion activities can be done targeting each segment of tourists by highlighting the attributes of the various exciting places of Nepal. In addition, NTY could further boost sales as special privileges could be given during this campaign. Further benefits should be given to tourists who wish to visit in the year 2011. Discount of hotel reservations, special packages on airfare and accommodation along with some freebies will no doubt attract numerous visitors. Moverover, the benefit of visiting Nepal this year as compared to other years should be communicated clearly or else it will just be like any other ordinary year. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Though some efforts have been made by the private sector, this miniscule yet encouraging act must be backed up by robust government spending as it can, apparently, generate revenue for the nation. The promotion should be done on a government level not only by the private organizations. Despite various political, economical and financial barriers faced by the country, there is still enormous scope for a naturally gifted place like ours to excel in the tourism sector. The opening ceremony of NTY was marked with huge enthusiasm and support from all sectors as even political parties vowed not to organize bandhs as it would have an adverse effect on the tourism campaign. Despite all the bottlenecks, there is still hope to revive the economy through branding of the Nation-Nepal as a visitors paradise. Being a Nepali citizen it is also our responsibility to encourage domestic tourism and spread good word about it to the world. Let's celebrate the spirit of NTY 2011!!!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></strong></div> <div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">(Karki is currently associated with JWT (Thompson Nepal). The article is based on research and author's practical experience as a marketing professional. He can be reached at sajag_karki@hotmail.com)</span></strong></div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2012-11-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Naturally Nepalis the tagline used by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to promote Nepal Tourism Year 2011 (NTY). It is hard to say whether a mere tagline with hardly.......', 'sortorder' => '390', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '457', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Rexton 2: Built To Satisfy September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">A stylish, powerful and magnificent vehicle has entered into the Nepali market that is about to change the entire definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Rexton 2 is marketed here by Constant Business Group. The company has targeted the 2011 model of Rexton 2 to executives, bureaucrats and other high level customers because of its great design, performance and majestic appearance.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Rexton 2 is a product of Ssangyong, a South Korean company which is one of the fastest growing automobile producers in the world today. The company has been selling its vehicles in 82 countries around the globe since 1954. Rexton 2 is one of the most innovative products from the Korean manufacturer.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The vehicle is the personification of automotive art crafted for those who love to drive. The SUV has design with a great blend of dashing looks and striking performance. It stands apart with Ssangyong’s signature triple line chrome coated grill, unique bonnet lines and projection headlamps. The chrome lettering on the rear and LED side repeaters add to the sophisticated appearance. It has a silver roof rack that serves a functional purpose and giving the vehicle a fashionable look as well. Complementing the design is a rear spoiler with LED, which helps stabilize the vehicle and also looks very sporty.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On the interior, the vehicle has a comfortable seating arrangement for seven. The roomy interior is decorated by rich black tones, and the seats are covered in luxurious and cozy leather. The driver’s seat is power adjustable in eight different ways and the front passenger’s seat is powered to adjust in four to add the comfort. The front and rear seats have five different temperature setting to choose from.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The cabin temperature of Rexton 2 is automatically maintained at the preset level, and the Air Quality Control System keeps dust, smoke and fumes outside the vehicle. For entertainment, there is a USB port for MP3 music and the front console is illuminated by high brightness LEDs that is easy to read at night. It also adds a high-tech feel to the driver’s space.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Regarding the performance of the vehicle, it incorporates the latest engine and transmission technology for a superb all-round performance. The heart of the Rexton 2 is XDi 270 XVTY engine with third generation turbocharger. The five cylinder 2.6 liter diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 132 kW at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 402 Nm at 1600 to 3000 rpm. The engine is equipped with a direct injection system that boosts power and adds fuel efficiency ensuring more economic operation. With the power and performance and a smooth 5-speed manual transmission, Rexton 2 qualifies as a great SUV with steering stability and a tight grip both on and off the road.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Also, worth mentioning are the safety features employed by the vehicle. Rexton 2 has been designed to withstand impacts and disperse the impact force very effectively. The rigid triple layer frame is built to absorb and disperse shocks and impacts of all kind. This provides less vibration during normal operation, longer durability and greater safety in case of a collision. Also, it has front dual airbags, safety belt pre-tensioner and load limiter. It also has a unique speed-sensing door lock which locks all the doors whenever the vehicle reaches a preset speed. The vehicle is also equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill Descent Control for more protection to the driver and the passengers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">With an amazing design, superb performance and luxury, Rexton 2 can be yours at a cost of Rs 5,550,000. For the servicing of the vehicle, there is a servicing centre at Balaju. The company is giving a warranty of 35,000 kms or for a period of two years. Also, six free servicing are provided to the customers. The company claims that all the spare parts are readily available at the service centers.</span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'A stylish, powerful and magnificent vehicle has entered into the Nepali market that is about to change the entire definition of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Rexton 2 is marketed here by....', 'sortorder' => '367', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '456', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Ride Your Desire With New Zotye September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For those who want to switch from their small cars to SUV, a new offering is in the market. Constant Business Group has introduced a new model of Zotye, which according to the company is probably the most affordable SUV in Nepal and costs no more than compact cars available in the market. At Rs 2,450,000, Zotye truly appears to be the most affordable vehicle of its kind.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The company has already sold more than 300 units of previous versions of the vehicle. The older models were available in 1.3 and 1.6 litre engines. The new model is powered by a 1.5 litre engine with a number of added features and facilities. Zotye has managed to reduce the price without compromising the quality, says the company. And even at this price, there is a lot to expect from Zotye 1.5 in terms of quality and safety. This made-in-China SUV is powered by Mitsubishi engine, which assures the much needed reliability.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The design of the new Zotye is quite impressive and elegant with a perfect balance. The design is complemented by crystal diamond halogen headlamps and large strip combination tail lamps. It also features round fog lamp and a large inlet grill. Other external features include energy absorbing front bumper and a folding electric outer rear view mirror with turning lamp. The five-door five-seater vehicle exhibits its sporty look through a stylish roof rack, a spoiler with high brake lamp and a fashionable backup tyre cover. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">On the inside, the SUV appears well-equipped with features like air conditioner, power steering, electric windows, children’s lock, central locking system and a music system with 4-speaker stereo with CD player and FM radio. It also has a multi-function luggage carrier.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">Its Mitsubishi 4G15 inline four cylinder, 16 valve SOHC petrol engine with multi point electric fuel injection produces a maximum power of 78 KW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 134 Nm at 4500 rpm to support the company’s claim that the car is relatively powerful despite the small size. The vehicle is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, driven by the rear wheels. It can go up to a maximum speed of 145 km per hour. The car is affordable and economic at the same time because of its mileage. According to the company, it gives a mileage of 12 to 14 kms in the city and 16 to 18 kms on the highways.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The high ground clearance of the Zotye at 200mm, along with McPherson struts on the front and 5-rods suspension on the rear proves to be beneficial on potholed roads and also off roads. It is equipped with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear, with vacuum booster.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">For safety, the SUV is equipped with ABS and three point seat belts on all the seats. The vehicle also features driver’s safety belt alarm system, alight head lamp alarm system and over speed alarm system that help to keep the driver alert and avoid accidents. There is also energy absorbing steering and high anti-impact steel girder on all the doors that reduce the damage at the event of collision. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14px;">The company is providing a warranty of 2 years or 35,000 kms, whichever is earlier. The company claims that it provides excellent servicing of the vehicle from its service centre at Balaju. With really affordable pricing and the promised excellent specifications, it seems that Zotye 1.5 is likely to enjoy great success in the market.</span></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2013-05-24', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'For those who want to switch from their small cars to SUV, a new offering is in the market. Constant Business Group has introduced a new model of Zotye, which according to the..........', 'sortorder' => '366', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '455', 'article_category_id' => '57', 'title' => 'Banking On Brand Image September 2011', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span><img alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/default-banner-size_for-featured.gif" vspace="10" /><br /> <br /> By<strong> Sajag Karki<br /> <br /> </strong></span></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Banks in Nepal are one of the biggest spenders on advertising and promotion. All banks are trying to create their niche through brand identity and positioning. While the older commercial banks enjoy the privilege of better brand image and command respect in the minds of customers due to their long standing presence, the newer banks are putting in great effort to establish their brand name.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Well reputable banks such as Standard Chartered Bank, Everest Bank, Nabil Bank, Himalayan Bank and Nepal Investment Bank have a different kind of image among general public that can be attributed to their early mover advantage and robust financial performance in the banking sector. Standard Chartered Bank being a multinational company seems to follow centralised branding approach set by its parent company with localised content to suit the Nepalese audience. Its target customers are mostly middle to high-end individuals. Hence, it uses sophisticated message in all its communication mediums. Its print and broadcast medium follows the same branding framework which gives a consistent feel in its communication materials. As the bank has positioned itself globally as Here for good which represents positive change in all the countries it operates by providing quality banking services. It also shows their inclination towards CSR as an integral part of their company value which has been incorporated in their branding. Similarly, the other established banks have their own distinct brand identity which has helped in enhancement of their brand image.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> It is evident that any type of product promotion is done to compete with similar products in the market. As there are 31 commercial banks, there is tough competition among newer banks to attain share of mind among its customers and to break the clutter. However, the banking sector has healthy competition as compared to FMCG or any other sector as the whole banking fraternity is collectively trying to gain back the lost confidence of consumers due to the liquidity crisis.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Among development banks, the branding of Ace Development Bank seems to be the most prominent and ranks highest in terms of awareness due to its consistent and clear positioning. It has chosen a Rhino as its mascot which represents security and also its CSR activity focuses on Rhino conservation. The TVC of Ace featuring the Rhino mascot is very unique and of high quality animation. It has done secondary brand positioning via its advertisement, giving emphasis to the branding and security rather than its actual product attributes. Every aspect of the TVC is perfect, and it also hits competitors by saying It's a jungle out there, convincing customers to choose Ace for their financial security out of the numerous banks in the market.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Unlike foreign banks, most Nepali banks do not actually follow a set guideline for branding and are limited to being informative and product focused rather than in branding. Talking about foreign banks, HSBC is named one of the world's most valuable banking brands by The banking magazine. Established in 1991, the HSBC group operates as a number of local brands around the world. Hence, its advertising tagline explains its global positioning as The World's Local Bank. This popularity and awareness does not come overnight, it's their smart branding strategy right from the start-up phase to the present day that has made it the ultimate banking brand. HSBC account has been handled by WPP group in which JWT is the lead ad agency. The point is, in order to be the best bank, branding must be done right from beginning so that there will be high brand equity as the company grows. Creating a robust brand identity via its communication is one of the highest priorities for any brand. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Among the younger breed of banks, NMB has focused well on branding as compared to newer competition. NMB's target is middle-class to high-end customers and its TVC and print ad has positioned the bank as a young and reliable bank and has brought products and services in line with its target customers. KIST Bank's branding advertisement is quite good and its awareness level is very high. Though it is in top of mind in terms of awareness, it has yet to gain confidence of its stakeholders. Also, its metaphor TVC is complicated for its targeted grass roots customers to comprehend so there is a mismatch between the segmenting and the positioning of KIST. Other banks such as Laxmi Bank has positioned itself quite differently as the one bringing in innovative high-tech banking in the Nepalese market. This is the Point of Differentiation (POD) of the bank. Also, its bright orange color has helped a lot in its brand awareness as people relate the color orange with the company. BOK branded itself as Be OK which is quite interesting and catchy. Everest Bank's testimonial ad featuring all demographics conveys first person views including that of housewife, youngsters, working adults, children and older people. This represents their distinctive image of strong, consistent and progressive among competitors.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In a developing country like ours, banking sector has far exceeded people's expectations and has adopted international standards to a certain extent. The large volume of banks has actually been beneficial for the customers as they can choose the most suitable bank among the existing banks. In the time of liquidity crisis where banks are focusing more on deposit mobilisation, it is understandable that spending extra budget for branding might not be reasonable. However, situations might improve in the near future and branding shall certainly take priority as banks have to differentiate themselves to compete to be the best. However, branding and placement of product offerings have changed in the past few years where marketers have started using various non-traditional mediums as well as traditional mediums but in a different way for promotion. Social networking sites such as facebook and twitter has played a pivotal role in the contemporary advertising scenario. Smart placement of products and services in movies and reality shows has also been seen in recent times. Viral marketing (strategic use of Internet combined with word of mouth promotion) and PR are also some latest marketing tools that can be used for the betterment of brand image, which the banking sector in Nepal can adopt.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong><i>(Karki is currently associated with Thompson Nepal Pvt Ltd and has a couple of years of experience in the banking sector. The article is based on research and authors practical experience as a marketing professional. He can be reached at sajag_karki@hotmail.com)</i></strong></div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2011-10-11', 'modified' => '2012-11-01', 'keywords' => '', 'description' => 'Banks in Nepal are one of the biggest spenders on advertising and promotion. All banks are trying to create their niche through brand identity and positioning. While the older commercial ......', 'sortorder' => '365', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
