The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has successfully concluded its participation at MATKA 2026, the Nordic region’s largest and most influential travel fair, held from 15 to 18 January 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre in Finland. Nepal’s presence at the prestigious international event played a significant role in reinforcing the country’s image as a leading destination for adventure, nature-based, cultural, and sustainable tourism among Nordic travelers. Nepal Tourism Board concluded a successful participation at MATKA 2026 in Finland, promoting Nepal
National Pavilion Draws Wide Interest
Nepal was showcased through a dedicated national pavilion that attracted strong footfall throughout the four-day event. The pavilion drew keen interest from travel enthusiasts, tour operators, and travel trade professionals looking for authentic, responsible, and experiential travel destinations. Visitors showed particular curiosity about Nepal’s trekking routes, mountain adventures, cultural heritage, and community-based tourism experiences, highlighting the country’s continued appeal in the Nordic market.
Participation of Leading Nepali Tourism Companies
The Nepal pavilion featured the participation of several prominent Nepali tourism companies, including Asian Adventure Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Windows Pvt. Ltd., Snowy Horizon Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Goreto Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Earthbound Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Guides Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., The Everest Holiday, Queen Bee Travel Assistance, and Wonderland Travels Nepal.
These companies actively promoted a wide range of tourism products, from trekking and mountaineering to cultural tours and tailor-made travel experiences. Their collective presence reflected Nepal’s year-round tourism potential and its ability to cater to diverse traveler preferences, from adventure seekers to culturally inclined visitors.
Engagement With Nordic Travel Trade and Consumers
Throughout MATKA 2026, NTB officials and participating companies held extensive interactions with Nordic travel trade representatives and consumers.
Discussions focused on travel connectivity, ideal travel seasons, safety, sustainability practices, and evolving trends in experiential tourism. Nepal continued to stand out as a preferred destination for Finnish and Nordic travelers, particularly for trekking, mountaineering, outdoor adventures, and immersive cultural journeys.
Cultural Performance Enhances Nepal’s Visibility
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to Nepal’s participation, a special Nepali cultural performance was organized on the central stage of the fair in collaboration with the Nepal Finland Society. The performance showcased Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, traditional music, and dance forms, drawing large audiences from across the exhibition hall. The cultural showcase not only enhanced Nepal’s visibility at the event but also helped strengthen people-to-people connections and cultural ties between Nepal and Finland.
Focus on Sustainable Tourism Practices
As part of MATKA 2026’s special sessions, Mr. Nabin Pokharel, Senior Manager at the Nepal Tourism Board, delivered a presentation highlighting sustainable tourism practices in Nepal. His presentation emphasized Nepal’s commitment to responsible tourism development, community-based initiatives, environmental conservation, and sustainable travel models that generate benefits for both local communities and visitors. The session resonated strongly with the Nordic audience, where sustainability remains a key factor influencing travel decisions.
Strengthening Tourism Cooperation With the Nordic Region
NTB’s participation at MATKA 2026 is expected to further strengthen tourism cooperation between Nepal and Finland, as well as the wider Nordic region. The fair provided a valuable platform to explore new business partnerships, promote collaborative tourism initiatives, and position Nepal as a destination that seamlessly blends adventure, culture, and sustainability.
Reinforcing Nepal’s Global Tourism Promotion Efforts
The successful completion of MATKA 2026 reaffirms the Nepal Tourism Board’s continued efforts to promote Nepal in key international markets. By highlighting its high-value tourism offerings and strong commitment to responsible travel, Nepal aims to attract discerning travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences. NTB’s presence at MATKA 2026 marks another step forward in positioning Nepal as a globally competitive, sustainable, and experiential travel destination.
