The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the national agency responsible for promoting tourism in Nepal, has approved a budget of Rs 1.599 billion for the fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26). The budget was sanctioned in the Board’s Executive Committee meeting held on Ashadh 31, 2082 (mid-July 2025), according to Rishi Ram Bhandari, coordinator of the budget drafting subcommittee.
The ambitious budget aims to develop safe, reliable, and attractive tourist destinations while strengthening Nepal’s image in the international tourism community. The Board has laid out comprehensive plans to increase tourist arrivals, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable tourism throughout the country.
Historic Budget Focused on Ambitious Tourism Goals
Rishi Ram Bhandari described the approved budget as historic and highly ambitious, which would significantly enhance the effectiveness of budget implementation. “In the current fiscal year, the Board targets at least a 15 percent increase in tourist arrivals, aiming to energize the overall tourism sector,” Bhandari said.
The Nepal Tourism Board CEO, Deepak Raj Joshi, expressed satisfaction with the timely budget approval. “This budget is not just a financial statement; it symbolizes a new era of commitment to Nepal’s tourism sector,” Joshi said. The budget focuses on developing and expanding tourism businesses to boost national income, foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities.
Strategic Promotion of Nepal as Asian Tourism Hub in 2026
One of the key highlights of this fiscal year’s budget and program is the promotion of Nepal as the “Asian Tourism Year 2026” destination. The Board aims to prioritize quality tourist arrivals and increase overall tourism-generated income by at least 15 percent.
To achieve these goals, the Board plans promotional activities in at least 50 source markets and the development of 5,000 additional tourism-related human resources. Moreover, infrastructure improvements are planned for at least 25 new tourism destinations across the country.
Emphasis on International Marketing and Expansion
NTB plans to allocate 70 percent of its total budget towards international marketing efforts. A notable initiative includes opening a permanent office in India, Nepal’s largest tourism source market. In 2024 alone, over 400,000 Indian tourists visited Nepal.
The Board is in the final stages of establishing an office in Delhi or another major Indian city to better engage with the Indian market. Besides India, the budget also includes setting up regional offices across Nepal to strengthen tourism promotion and market management.
Detailed Budget Allocation for Various Tourism Activities
The approved budget includes:
- Rs 436.1 million for tourism market management and promotional activities
- Rs 129.5 million for public relations and media outreach
- Rs 26.7 million for research, planning, and monitoring
- Rs 186.35 million for tourism heritage and resource development
- Rs 116.6 million allocated for establishing and operating new regional offices
Special promotional events like the Buddhist Travel Mart, Himalayan Travel Mart, Adventure Travel Mart, Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Award Program, and Safari Tourism Mart are budgeted Rs 46.2 million.
Global Promotion and Digital Marketing Efforts
NTB will conduct promotional programs in major international markets such as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, and various European countries.
Under the theme “Nepal: Lifetime Experience,” the Board plans to participate in prominent international tourism fairs, strengthen digital marketing, collaborate with international media, and organize travel blogger and media fam tours to increase Nepal’s visibility.
Strengthening Domestic Tourism and Regional Collaboration
The budget also sets aside funds to promote domestic tourism in partnership with provincial governments, local authorities, and the private sector. Priority will be given to emerging destinations in the Far-Western, Karnali, and Eastern regions of Nepal.
NTB’s plan includes enhancing digital infrastructure, strengthening research and data systems, and developing tourism-related human resources through training and study programs.
Infrastructure Development and Destination Promotion
Physical infrastructure development, improvement of trekking routes, establishment of Namaste Centers, Buddhist destination promotion, and training in mountain tourism are major priorities of the budget.
Programs aimed at green hospitality certification, domestic tourism promotion, tour operator training, language skills, and digital competencies are designed to empower local communities and strengthen destination development.
Promotion of Cultural and Adventure Tourism
The budget includes promotion of cultural and adventure tourism through events such as Mithila Art Festival, Paragliding Competitions, Elephant Festival, Mountain and Jungle Safaris.
Pokhara Office will coordinate programs including the Pokhara Travel Mart, road festivals, Annapurna and Manaslu trekking routes promotion, tourist police training, basic and advanced canyoning training, and mountain museum promotion.
Disaster Management and Sustainable Tourism
In line with sustainable tourism principles, the budget addresses disaster management fund allocation, climate change sensitivity enhancement, and expansion of international cooperation. Implementation of Tourism Information Management System (TIMS) will be strengthened to support sustainable tourism development.
Vision for a Smart and Sustainable Tourism Future
CEO Joshi emphasized, “This budget is not just an account of money, but a roadmap for Nepal’s tourism renaissance. We have developed market-specific strategies and will collaborate with local and international partners to sustainably expand Nepal’s tourism sector.”
The Board’s chairman and the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation also expressed their commitment to implementing the “Smart Tourism Nepal” concept through active participation of the private sector, coordination with local governments, and international partnerships.
