In a concerted effort to promote tourism through health and wellness services, Nepal celebrated World Wellness Day with a public awareness walk from Thamel to Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Bhrikutimandap today. The event was organized by Spa Association Nepal (SAN) with the aim of highlighting the potential of tourism as a sustainable and year-round tourism model.
Wellness Tourism Gains Momentum
Nepal, a destination traditionally reliant on seasonal adventure and cultural tourism, is now exploring the possibilities of tourism, a global trend that emphasizes physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing through services like massage, spa, yoga, therapy, and holistic healing.
Speaking at the event, Kamala Sapkota, Vice Chairperson of the Nepal Tourism Board, commended SAN for its continuous effort in integrating spa into Nepal’s tourism identity. He noted, “It is not just about entertainment; it is a foundation for both health and economic prosperity.”
Sapkota emphasized that Nepal’s tourism industry, which heavily depends on favorable weather conditions, can diversify and thrive throughout the year by adopting this tourism. He also highlighted that wellness-based activities can help increase the length of stay of international tourists, thereby boosting the local economy.
Mental Health as a Global Priority
Addressing the growing concern of mental health, Khem Raj Lakai, President of PATA Nepal Chapter, stressed that the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified mental health as one of the biggest challenges of the coming decade. He suggested that spa and healing tourism, including spa services, should be recognized as a remedy for such issues. “It is admirable that spa services are now being viewed not only as a leisure activity but as an integral asset of tourism,” said Lakai.
Wellness Tourism and Nepal’s Future
Suresh Puri, President of the Spa Association of Nepal, shared how stressful modern lifestyles have increased the need for retreats. “Spa services play a crucial role in reducing stress and enhancing quality of life,” he noted. He further added that while World Wellness Day was first celebrated in Turkey in 2012, Nepal is only in its second year of participation in this global initiative.
General Secretary of Spa Association of Nepal, Amrit Thokar, informed that World Wellness Day is celebrated every second Saturday of June in over 170 countries. He emphasized that Nepal’s participation in this movement will enhance its visibility in the global wellness tourism market.
Industry Leaders Show Support
The event also saw the participation of key tourism stakeholders. Badri Timilsina, General Secretary of Thamel Tourism Council, and Ashlesha Karki, a representative of the Hotel Association of Nepal, shared their views on how Nepal can emerge as a hub for wellness tourism. They pointed out the abundance of natural beauty, traditional healing practices, and spiritual destinations as unique assets that can attract global wellness seekers.
The celebration of World Wellness Day in Nepal marks an important step toward diversifying the country’s tourism offerings. With increasing demand for wellness-based experiences worldwide, Nepal stands at a promising juncture to establish itself as a year-round destination for health, healing, and rejuvenation.
