Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) successfully promoted the country as a premier travel destination at IFTM Top Resa 2025, France’s largest international tourism fair. Representing NTB, Senior Officer Sagar Shrestha and Rajeev Jha were joined by six prominent Nepali travel companies: Journey DMC, Namaste Holidays Tours and Treks, Friends Adventure Team, Ethical Trekking Nepal, The Trek Nepal, and Himalayan Guides Nepal Treks & Expedition.
The event provided a vital platform for Nepal to highlight its adventure, cultural, and nature-based tourism offerings to European travel professionals, strengthening connections and building awareness of Nepal as a sustainable and authentic destination.
Nepal Pavilion Draws Strong Interest
The Nepal Pavilion attracted significant attention from European travel operators eager to explore Nepal’s diverse tourism products. Attendees showed particular interest in adventure tourism, including trekking, mountaineering, and rafting, as well as cultural experiences in historic cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan.
Visitors also expressed curiosity about Nepal’s eco-tourism initiatives and opportunities for community-based tourism, reflecting a growing European demand for sustainable and experiential travel. The exhibition served as a stage to showcase Nepal’s readiness to provide authentic travel experiences while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
Commemorating 75 Years of Annapurna Day
This year coincides with the 75th anniversary of Annapurna Day, commemorating French mountaineer Maurice Herzog’s historic first ascent of Annapurna I in 1950, the world’s first ever climbed 8,000-meter peak. NTB highlighted this historic milestone, emphasizing the enduring connection between Nepal and France in the realm of high-altitude mountaineering.
“Herzog’s spirit of adventure continues to inspire generations of French trekkers and climbers to explore Nepal’s Himalayas,” noted an NTB representative. The anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing franco-Nepali mountaineering ties while positioning Nepal as a modern hub for adventure tourism.
French Travelers: Loyal and Adventurous
French travelers have consistently ranked among Nepal’s most loyal visitors. Popular destinations include Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang, along with cultural explorations in the Kathmandu Valley.
The increasing interest in sustainable tourism and experiential travel aligns perfectly with Nepal’s offerings, including trekking through pristine landscapes, wildlife-based tourism in national parks, and visits to heritage-rich towns. By promoting these experiences at IFTM Top Resa, NTB reinforced Nepal’s appeal to the French-speaking market while encouraging travel operators to include Nepal in European itineraries.
Strengthening European Partnerships
Participation in IFTM Top Resa 2025 allowed NTB to engage directly with French and European travel operators, tour agencies, and tourism boards. The objective was to deepen partnerships, exchange knowledge, and create new business opportunities, ensuring Nepal remains top-of-mind for European travelers seeking authentic and sustainable destinations.
The event also provided a platform to showcase Nepal’s diverse tourism infrastructure, ranging from high-end lodges and eco-resorts to community-based homestays and adventure camps, emphasizing the country’s readiness to accommodate varying preferences and budgets.
Global B2B Tourism Hub
IFTM Top Resa is France’s largest B2B tourism exhibition, attracting tourism boards, travel companies, tour operators, and media from across the globe. For Nepal, participation signifies its commitment to global tourism promotion, positioning the country as a welcoming and accessible destination for international travelers.
The fair also provided Nepal with exposure to industry trends, innovations, and emerging markets, which will help NTB refine its strategies to attract more visitors while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Authentic Experiences and Sustainable Tourism
Nepal Tourism Board emphasized the importance of authenticity, sustainability, and adventure in all promotional efforts. European tourists increasingly seek travel experiences that are immersive and culturally respectful, and Nepal offers a range of such opportunities, from trekking remote Himalayan trails to participating in traditional festivals and exploring heritage sites.
The participation of six Nepali travel companies further strengthened Nepal’s message, demonstrating the quality and professionalism of local operators and their ability to deliver memorable experiences for international clients.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Nepal’s Tourism Footprint
With global tourism recovering after recent disruptions, NTB aims to position Nepal as a top destination for European travelers, leveraging historical ties, natural beauty, and adventure tourism. By cultivating stronger relationships with travel agencies and operators in France and other European markets, Nepal hopes to attract more sustainable tourism flows, benefiting local communities and supporting economic growth.
The exhibition also allowed NTB to highlight Nepal’s diverse tourism portfolio, including adventure sports, trekking, cultural heritage, nature-based tourism, and responsible travel initiatives, ensuring that travelers experience a holistic and immersive visit.
Nepal’s participation in IFTM Top Resa 2025 showcased the country’s tourism potential, rich cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities to a global audience. By celebrating 75 years of Annapurna Day, engaging with French travel professionals, and highlighting sustainable tourism practices, NTB strengthened Nepal’s position as a premier travel destination in Europe.
With continued promotion and collaboration with European partners, Nepal is poised to welcome increasing numbers of adventure-seeking and culturally curious travelers, ensuring that tourism contributes positively to local economies, preserves heritage, and provides unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.
Diplomatic Encouragement and Broader Support
Adding significance to Nepal’s presence at the event was the encouragement provided by Nepal’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Sudhir Bhattarai. His active participation and support gave a morale boost to the Nepali delegation. Ambassador Bhattarai emphasized the importance of cultural and tourism diplomacy in strengthening Nepal-France relations.
Community representatives also highlighted that along with French visitors, there is growing interest from the United States, Australia, and other countries, with many real travelers exploring Nepal in increasing numbers. The commemoration of Maurice Herzog’s Annapurna ascent was seen as particularly meaningful this year, linking Nepal’s mountaineering legacy with international recognition.
Stakeholders believe that this milestone celebration, combined with Nepal’s active engagement at IFTM Top Resa, will encourage more visitors from France and beyond to experience Nepal’s adventure and cultural treasures.
The presence of Ambassador Sudhir Bhattarai and his wife at the fair added diplomatic weight, underscoring Nepal’s commitment to deepening people-to-people ties with France and the wider francophone world. As locals noted, this year’s Annapurna anniversary held special significance, marking not just a historic climb but a lasting bond between Nepal and global travelers. With growing recognition across Europe, the US, Australia, and beyond, Nepal is poised to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most cherished adventure and cultural tourism destinations.
