The Embassy of Nepal in Copenhagen organized a tourism promotion event titled “Nepal: A Destination for Lifetime Experiences” today at Adventura Plaza, Lönnrotinkatu 9, Helsinki. The event aimed to highlight Nepal’s vast tourism potential and strengthen tourism collaboration between Nepal and the Republic of Finland. The ceremony commenced with the playing of the National Anthem of Nepal, setting a patriotic tone for the event.
Ambassador Highlights Nepal’s Tourism Potential
In her keynote address, H.E. Ambassador Ms. Sumnima Tuladhar emphasized Nepal as a destination for lifetime experiences. She stated that the resilience and aspirations of the Nepali people, combined with the country’s extraordinary natural beauty and rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage, make Nepal a uniquely attractive destination for global travelers.
Ambassador Tuladhar highlighted Nepal’s immense tourism potential and investment opportunities, while acknowledging the need for improvements in quality and standards, safety, affordability, and particularly air connectivity to ensure sustainable tourism growth. She expressed appreciation to the Government of Finland and development partners, including academic institutions, for their continuous support in contributing to Nepal’s development.
She encouraged investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in Nepal for mutually beneficial outcomes, emphasizing tourism as a critical sector that can provide employment for Nepali youth and support the country’s transition from a least developed country to a middle-income country.
Finnish Leaders Reaffirm Support for Nepal
Among the Chief Guests, Ms. Eva Biaudet, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Social Services of Finland, shared positive developments regarding the formation of the Friends of Nepal Parliamentary Group within the Finnish Parliament, which she chairs. Comprising 22 parliamentarians, the group aims to strengthen Nepal-Finland relations. Ms. Biaudet expressed her deep affection for Nepal, its people, and its destination, reaffirming her commitment to continued parliamentary engagement to promote bilateral cooperation.
Another Chief Guest, Mr. Veikka Gustafsson, a renowned Finnish mountaineer who has summited all 14 eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen, including three ascents of Mount Everest, spoke about his enduring connection with Nepal and its people. He reflected that his mountaineering journey was inspired by testing human potential and his admiration for the warmth and spirit of the Nepali people.
Diplomatic Insights and Cultural Showcases
In her welcome remarks, Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Sabitra Oli highlighted Nepal’s abundant natural resources, scenic landscapes, cultural richness, UNESCO World Heritage sites, climatic diversity, and commitment to sustainable tourism development. She also emphasized the longstanding cordial relations between Nepal and Finland since the establishment of diplomatic ties and expressed Nepal’s interest in further expanding collaboration across various sectors, particularly in tourism.
The event featured cultural performances by Nepali artists, including Indra Jatra representations through Kumari, Lakhe, and Dhime dances. These performances, alongside promotional videos showcasing Nepal’s adventure tourism, cultural diversity, and breathtaking natural landscapes, captivated the audience and highlighted Nepal’s rich tourism offerings.
Engaging Stakeholders and Networking
The programme brought together parliamentarians, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, academics, renowned mountaineers, business leaders, Nepali diaspora members, travel and tour agency representatives, friends of Nepal, and media personnel. Participants were able to engage in dialogue and explore opportunities for collaboration in tourism and other sectors.
The event concluded with a networking session accompanied by Nepali cuisine, offering guests a taste of Nepal’s culinary heritage. The programme was facilitated by Ms. Byoma Tamrakar, Chairperson of the Finland-Nepal Friendship Association, ensuring smooth coordination and engagement among attendees.
Promoting Nepal as a Global Tourism Destination
The event successfully positioned Nepal as a premium destination for adventure, cultural, and wellness tourism, while emphasizing its potential for investment and sustainable development. By showcasing its natural landscapes, rich culture, and hospitality, Nepal reinforced its image as a destination for lifetime experiences for travelers from Finland and beyond.
