The fifth edition of the international tourism fair, Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM), concluded successfully in Kathmandu on Thursday, emphasizing the need for collective efforts among Himalayan nations and an expanded strategy for promoting destinations at the global level. The three-day event, held from June 3 to 5 (Jestha 20 to 22), aimed to foster stronger international tourism ties and elevate Nepal’s status as a key tourism hub in South Asia.
Organized jointly by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter and the Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with Nepal Airlines and various national and international tourism bodies, the mart served as a vital platform for connecting the global travel industry with Nepal’s diverse offerings. The event brought together over 700 participants, including more than 100 foreign delegates from over 30 countries, alongside tourism professionals, policy-makers, and stakeholders.
The closing ceremony of the mart took place in a vibrant atmosphere at LOD Nightclub, Thamel, where participants enjoyed a range of musical performances and an energetic DJ session. The event was graced by notable personalities, including PATA Nepal Chapter President Khem Lakai, Nepal Airlines’ Institutional Director Anil Ghimire, senior officials from the Nepal Tourism Board, and several tourism entrepreneurs and professionals.
Himalayan Travel Mart Concludes
This year’s Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM) was themed “Mountain Milestone and Momentum”, emphasizing discussions on tourism growth through resilience, innovation, and collaboration. The conference featured panel discussions and expert sessions focusing on key issues such as spiritual tourism, adventure travel, luxury experiences, sustainable practices, emerging market trends, and new business opportunities within the global tourism landscape.
Over 20 national and international speakers and thought leaders shared insights on how tourism can play a transformative role in economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. They highlighted Nepal’s immense tourism potential due to its unique geographic and natural diversity, urging for coordinated efforts and partnerships to harness these strengths.
Speaking on the occasion, HTM Coordinator and PATA Nepal Chapter General Secretary Narendra Dev Bhatt stated that the primary goal of organizing the event was to establish a strong international network in key tourism source markets and thereby enhance the promotion of Nepal as a prime destination. Since 2017, HTM has been held annually in June as Nepal’s leading international tourism trade fair. It aims to boost business connections and deepen valuable industry insights by linking global tourism and hospitality sectors with Nepal’s offerings,” Bhatt remarked.
One of the core components of HTM 2025 was the Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions, where more than 60 buyers from the United States, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Russia, and CIS countries interacted with over 65 sellers representing destinations from Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. These B2B meetings are seen as instrumental in opening new avenues for tour packages, collaborative ventures, and long-term partnerships across borders.
In addition to networking, the event served as a brainstorming hub for designing future strategies that focus on sustainable tourism development, particularly in the Himalayan region, which faces environmental challenges and requires adaptive tourism models. Several speakers reiterated the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems, promoting responsible travel, and involving local communities to ensure inclusive growth.
Experts also emphasized the need for Nepal to diversify its tourism products beyond the traditional trekking and mountaineering appeal. Cultural tourism, wellness retreats, community-based travel, and culinary experiences were highlighted as emerging segments that can cater to a wider range of international travelers.
The conclusion of the fifth HTM marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s ongoing efforts to regain momentum in the tourism sector following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event’s success has reaffirmed Kathmandu’s growing reputation as a hub for regional and global tourism dialogues, creating a strong foundation for future collaboration.
As Nepal continues to position itself as a year-round, multi-dimensional destination, platforms like HTM are expected to play a crucial role in not only attracting foreign tourists but also in setting strategic directions for the country’s tourism sector. With increased support from public and private stakeholders, Nepal’s tourism industry is poised to move forward with vision, innovation, and sustainable impact.
