A baseline survey has officially commenced in Thamel under the “Cross-Border Acceptance in Thamel” initiative, marking a significant step toward strengthening Nepal’s digital tourism ecosystem. The program, titled “Cross-Border Acceptance in Thamel,” has been launched by the Pacific Asia Travel Association Nepal Chapter in collaboration with Visa Inc. The initiative is supported by Nepal Tourism Board, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, and Thamel Tourism Development Council. As part of the first phase, a comprehensive baseline survey has commenced to assess the current landscape of digital payment adoption among businesses.
To carry out the survey, PATA Nepal Chapter has mobilized 30 students from its affiliated academic institutions, particularly those studying tourism and hospitality management. These students will engage directly with local businesses to collect crucial data on payment practices, merchant readiness, and technological gaps. The survey is expected to provide valuable insights that will inform the next phases of the initiative, including training and capacity-building programs.
Thamel’s Tourism Importance and Digital Gap
Recognized as Nepal’s most vibrant and active tourism hub, Thamel attracts more than 80 percent of international tourists visiting the country. The area is home to a wide range of tourism-related enterprises, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, travel agencies, handicraft shops, and wellness centers. Despite its central role in the tourism economy, a significant number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Thamel still face challenges in adopting digital payment systems and participating in cross-border commerce.
Many businesses continue to rely heavily on cash transactions, limiting their ability to cater to international visitors who prefer secure and convenient digital payment methods such as card payments. The lack of infrastructure, awareness, and technical skills has contributed to this gap, which the new initiative aims to address systematically.
Objectives of the Baseline Survey
The baseline survey is designed to evaluate the current status of digital payment usage across businesses in Thamel. It will examine factors such as merchant awareness, willingness to adopt digital tools, existing challenges, and the gap in knowledge and technical skills required for digital transformation.
In addition, the survey will identify businesses that have not yet adopted international card payment systems. These businesses will be supported through coordination with financial institutions, helping them connect with relevant banks and payment service providers. This step is expected to significantly improve the acceptance of international cards, making transactions smoother for foreign tourists.
Stakeholders Emphasize Digital Transformation
Speaking on the occasion, Sabbir Ahmed, Country Manager for Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan at Visa, emphasized the company’s commitment to strengthening Nepal’s tourism ecosystem through digital innovation. He noted that expanding cross-border payment acceptance in Thamel would make transactions easier for international tourists while opening new business opportunities for local SMEs. He also highlighted Visa’s pride in collaborating with PATA Nepal Chapter and other stakeholders to help Nepal transition toward a more digitally capable tourism economy.
Similarly, Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, stated that the organization is dedicated to positioning Thamel as a model destination for digital transformation in tourism. He expressed gratitude to all partner organizations, including Visa, Nepal Tourism Board, Thamel Tourism Development Council, and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, for their support and collaboration in making the initiative possible.
Inclusive Approach Covering Diverse Businesses
The initiative aims to include a wide spectrum of tourism-related businesses such as handicraft stores, retail and clothing shops, travel and tour operators, cafes, restaurants, hotels, spas, and wellness centers. By targeting these diverse sectors, the program seeks to create a comprehensive ecosystem where digital payments are widely accepted and seamlessly integrated into everyday business operations.
Future Roadmap and Expansion Plans
Following the completion of the baseline survey, the project will move into its next phases, which include training sessions, merchant engagement programs, and capacity-building activities. These efforts will focus on equipping business owners and employees with the knowledge and tools necessary to adopt and effectively use digital payment systems.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to transform Thamel into a model digital tourism destination. The learnings and best practices developed through this project are expected to be replicated in other major tourist destinations across Nepal, contributing to the broader goal of building a modern, digitally capable tourism economy.
With increasing global reliance on digital transactions, this initiative marks a timely and strategic step toward enhancing Nepal’s competitiveness in the international tourism market while empowering local businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
