The sixth edition of the Eastern Travel Mart 2026 officially commenced in Itahari on Saturday, marking a significant step toward positioning Koshi Province as a key tourism hub in Nepal and connecting its diverse offerings with the global market. The three-day international tourism event is being jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, bringing together tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and international delegates.
Promoting Koshi Province on the Global Stage
Inaugurating the event, Bhim Parajuli, Minister for Tourism, Forests, and Environment of Koshi Province, emphasized the region’s immense tourism potential rooted in its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and religious heritage. He expressed confidence that Koshi Province could emerge as a major gateway to Nepal’s tourism sector, given its geographical diversity and strategic location.
“We are moving forward with a structured and strategic approach to develop and position Koshi Province at the international level,” Minister Parajuli stated. He highlighted the province’s unique geographical span, stretching from the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, to the lowland plains of Kachankawal. The region’s biodiversity, wetlands, and wildlife tourism opportunities, he added, remain largely untapped and hold immense promise for sustainable tourism development.
He further noted that the provincial government is actively investing in infrastructure development, encouraging private sector participation, and facilitating policies aimed at boosting tourism growth and attracting foreign investment.
Government Highlights Tourism as Economic Driver
Speaking at the event, Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, underscored the importance of tourism as a key pillar of Nepal’s economy. He expressed optimism that the Eastern Travel Mart would serve as a strong platform to promote eastern Nepal’s tourism potential on an international scale.
Niraula highlighted ongoing government initiatives such as the 16th periodic development plan and the “Tourism Decade” campaign, which aim to boost employment and generate sustainable income through tourism. According to him, eastern Nepal has moved beyond the stage of untapped potential and is now entering a phase of practical implementation and growth. He also stressed the need to improve service quality, infrastructure, and visitor experience to enhance Nepal’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
Eastern Nepal as a Diverse Tourism Hub
Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, described tourism as a powerful bridge that connects cultures, economies, and people across borders. He identified eastern Nepal as one of the country’s most promising tourism regions, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and nature-based experiences.
Joshi pointed to major attractions such as trekking routes in the Makalu region and Kanchenjunga region, the lush tea gardens of Ilam, and various religious and cultural sites as key assets that can draw international visitors. Adventure tourism activities, including trekking, rafting, and wildlife exploration, further enhance the region’s appeal.
“The Eastern Travel Mart is not just an event, it is a platform for collaboration, partnership, and long-term growth,” Joshi remarked, emphasizing the importance of building strong networks among tourism stakeholders.
Platform for Business Networking and Collaboration
According to Punya Prasad Bhattarai, President of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Koshi Province and coordinator of the event, the primary objective of the mart is to bring together tourism entrepreneurs, particularly from border regions, to expand business opportunities and strengthen partnerships.
He shared that the event features a range of activities, including business-to-business (B2B) meetings, panel discussions, networking sessions, and destination familiarization tours. These activities are designed to promote collaboration, exchange ideas, and create new avenues for tourism development.
International Participation and Recognition
The event has attracted notable participation from international tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders, particularly from neighboring countries. Representatives from India, including regions such as West Bengal, Bihar, and Sikkim, as well as delegates from Bhutan, are actively participating in the mart. Organizers reported that more than 100 international participants and over 50 domestic participants are attending the event.
During the inaugural ceremony, Hikmat Singh Air, Senior Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, was honored for his significant contributions to the tourism sector, recognizing his role in promoting Nepal as a global travel destination.
The Eastern Travel Mart 2026, which will continue until March 30, is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility of Koshi Province in the international tourism market. By fostering dialogue, encouraging partnerships, and showcasing the region’s diverse attractions, the event aims to position eastern Nepal as a must-visit destination for global travelers.
As Nepal continues to diversify its tourism offerings, initiatives like the Eastern Travel Mart reaffirm the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and regional growth, paving the way for a more connected and competitive tourism industry.
