Tourism Diplomacy in Action
In a significant move to deepen tourism cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board organized the Nepal-Bangladesh Tourism Meet on Thursday evening under the theme “Destination Nepal: From the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas.”
Held in the bustling port city of Chattogram, the event was part of Nepal’s ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border tourism linkages and promote Nepal as a premier travel destination for Bangladeshi tourists.
Ambassador Calls for Deeper People-to-People Ties
Speaking at the gathering, Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari, underscored the crucial role of tourism and people-to-people connections in enriching Nepal-Bangladesh relations.
In his keynote address, he stated, “Tourism is more than just leisure, it is a bridge between cultures, histories, and aspirations. Our goal should be to truly connect the towering heights of the Himalayas with the serene depths of the Bay of Bengal.”
Ambassador Bhandari highlighted Nepal’s ongoing infrastructure development efforts in tourism, particularly in improving accessibility, accommodations, and services. He also acknowledged the proactive role played by tour operators, travel agents, and aviation partners in attracting more tourists to Nepal.
NTB’s Push to Promote Nepal’s Unique Tourism Offerings
Mr. Rohini Prasad Khanal, Officiating Director of the Tourism Marketing and Promotion Department at the Nepal Tourism Board, delivered an in-depth presentation focusing on Nepal’s diverse tourism products.
He showcased Nepal’s rich offerings, from world-class trekking and adventure sports to heritage tourism, spiritual sites, wellness retreats, and cultural immersion. “Bangladesh remains one of Nepal’s top source markets for tourists, and we believe that stronger collaboration can unlock even greater potential,” said Khanal, while calling on travel agents and tour operators to explore more dynamic partnerships.
He emphasized that the shared cultural heritage and geographical proximity between the two countries offer an excellent foundation for developing robust two-way tourism flows.
Mount Everest Summiteer Inspires with Remarkable Journey
Adding a personal touch to the event, Mr. Babar Ali, a celebrated mountaineer and Everest summiteer, shared his experiences of trekking and climbing in Nepal. He recently reached the summit of Mount Everest in 2024 and also successfully climbed Mount Annapurna.
Mr. Ali spoke about Nepal’s unparalleled trekking routes, safety arrangements for climbers, and the hospitality of the local communities. His remarks resonated with the audience, inspiring many to consider Nepal not just as a destination but as a life-changing experience.
Strong Support from Bangladeshi Travel Associations
The event also featured remarks from the Presidents of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) and the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) in Chattogram. They both commended the growing cooperation in tourism and the excellent business relationships being fostered between the two nations.
They noted a steady rise in Bangladeshi travelers visiting Nepal for leisure, pilgrimage, adventure, and medical purposes. The association leaders expressed strong commitment to further strengthening tour packages and promotions targeting Nepal.
A Cultural Showcase: Dance, Music, and Hospitality
One of the highlights of the evening was a vibrant cultural performance by Nepali students studying in Chattogram. Dressed in traditional attire, they performed folk dances and music that showcased Nepal’s cultural richness and diversity, leaving the audience thoroughly impressed.
In an engaging segment, a raffle draw was conducted offering exciting prizes. Winners received Nepal tour packages and round-trip air tickets for the Dhaka–Kathmandu sector, generously sponsored by Nepali tour agencies, Himalaya Airlines, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Business-to-Business Interactions Foster Real Partnerships
Prior to the formal program, the event featured Business-to-Business (B2B) and networking sessions where travel and tour entrepreneurs from Nepal and Bangladesh discussed collaborative ventures, product promotion, and joint tour packages.
The Nepali delegation consisted of officials from the Nepal Tourism Board and representatives from 13 different tour and travel companies, all eager to expand their footprint in the Bangladeshi market. More than 120 participants attended the program, including Chattogram-based representatives from ATAB, TOAB, hotels, airlines, and top hospitality organizations.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening South Asian Tourism Connectivity
As South Asia looks to harness regional tourism for sustainable economic development, events like the Nepal-Bangladesh Tourism Meet play a pivotal role. Nepal, with its majestic mountains, spiritual heritage, and diverse cultural experiences, is positioning itself as a year-round destination for Bangladeshi tourists.
The event successfully showcased Nepal’s potential, encouraged mutual business opportunities, and celebrated the shared bond between the people of Nepal and Bangladesh. By building stronger tourism ties, through diplomacy, marketing, and grassroots partnerships, both countries are poised to turn the vision of “Destination Nepal: From the Bay of Bengal to the Himalayas” into a thriving reality.
