In a powerful stride toward redefining Nepal’s tourism landscape, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) hosted an inspiring event at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, uniting content creators and travel package curators from all seven provinces. With the theme of “connecting content creators and package curators,” the event aimed to bridge the gap between storytelling and travel planning by fostering meaningful collaboration, promoting untold destination stories, and designing innovative travel packages that highlight Nepal’s rich, diverse, and often overlooked experiences.
A Gathering of Creativity and Curiosity
The gathering was infused with energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity as tourism representatives from Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces came together to share insights, ideas, and stories. Through open dialogue and thoughtful presentations, the event created a platform for discussing how storytelling could increase the economic and cultural value of Nepal’s travel destinations. Emphasis was placed on integrating authentic narratives into travel packages to not only boost tourism but also instill pride among locals and captivate global travelers.
Kanak Mani Dixit: The Power of Storytelling in Tourism
Celebrated writer, editor, and publisher of Himal Media, Kanak Mani Dixit, addressed the gathering with powerful reflections on Nepal’s tourism potential. He emphasized the concept of “cloud forest” and monsoon tourism an area often underestimated in tourism strategies. Dixit highlighted the importance of economic valuation in tourism and encouraged content creators and curators alike to deeply engage with the stories behind places. “Every destination holds a story, and sharing it increases its value,” he noted. His words resonated strongly with the participants, setting a tone for an approach to tourism that moves beyond simple sightseeing to immersive cultural and environmental experiences.
At the heart of the event was the promotion of new and untamed experiences, particularly the concept of “goth stay” a unique travel idea centered on staying in traditional cattle sheds (known as “goths”) used by herders in Nepal’s remote highlands. This unconventional form of accommodation not only offers an immersive rural lifestyle experience but also supports the local economy and sustains traditional ways of life. It perfectly aligns with the growing global demand for off-the-beaten-path adventures and sustainable tourism practices.
Unveiling Hidden Destinations: Content Creators Take the Stage
All content creators present at the event pledged their commitment to exploring and promoting such authentic experiences, including the goth stay concept, in collaboration with the NTB. Among them were Manoj Acharya from Koshi Province, known for his YouTube channel Entertainment MMC, who shared stories of unexplored natural beauty and community-based tourism in eastern Nepal.
From Lumbini Province, Pallav Pandit, the creator behind nomadpallav, spoke passionately about showcasing the hidden cultural and spiritual gems beyond the birthplace of the Buddha.
Hemanta Bhandari from Gandaki Province, the voice of nepal8thwonder, captivated the audience with tales from the Ice Lake of Manang, urging fellow creators to embrace raw wilderness and venture into less-explored terrains.
Karnali Province was represented by Sirjana Oli, whose channel sirjanasizzu is gaining attention for focusing on women-led travel narratives and ecological travel. She shared her excitement about goth stays and other local experiences that reflect the unique highland culture of Karnali.
Similarly, Hemanta Rai from Sudurpaschim Province, through his platform HemantaRaiOfficial, highlighted the raw, untouched beauty of the far-western hills and expressed his readiness to collaborate with NTB in crafting meaningful, immersive journeys.
From Bagmati Province, Manish Ruchal of Ghumante, a channel known for promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism, reiterated the power of storytelling in shifting tourist interest toward more responsible and authentic travel experiences. Though the representative from Madhesh Province was not named, their participation contributed significantly to representing the unique cultural richness of the Terai region.
The central theme of the event was clear Nepal’s tourism must evolve to embrace its full narrative spectrum, from mainstream landmarks to the mysterious, hidden corners of its landscapes. All participants expressed a shared belief that Nepal’s tourism future lies in deep exploration and meaningful storytelling, particularly through initiatives like goth stays and offbeat treks.
Concluding the event, Ram Prasad Sapkota (Kamal), Vice Chairman of the NTB Executive Committee, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. Reflecting on his own evolving perspective on tourism, Sapkota acknowledged the importance of embracing both international and domestic travelers in shaping Nepal’s tourism narrative. He reaffirmed NTB’s commitment to working closely with content creators, including acquiring their video content and itineraries for use in global promotions. “Our goal is not just to attract tourists, but to tell Nepal’s story the way it deserves to be told through the eyes of those who have lived it, explored it, and loved it,” he said.
The event at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel marked more than just a meeting it was a pivotal step toward transforming how Nepal presents itself to the world. By empowering content creators, integrating authentic rural experiences like goth stays, and fostering regional collaboration, NTB is paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and story-driven future for Nepal’s tourism industry. The energy and commitment witnessed at the event signal a bright future where the untamed, unexplored, and deeply personal stories of Nepal become the core of its global tourism appeal.
