A two-day Village Tourism Mart is set to take place in Bandipur from Baishakh 18, aiming to promote rural tourism and strengthen connections between local tourism entrepreneurs and broader markets. The event is being jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, and Bandipur Rural Municipality, with coordination support from the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Gandaki.
The announcement was made during a press conference, where organizers highlighted the importance of the mart in advancing sustainable tourism practices and enhancing the visibility of rural destinations like Bandipur. The event will run for two days, Baishakh 18 and 19, at Bandipur Bazaar, drawing participation from various stakeholders across the tourism sector.
Boosting Rural Tourism and Local Economy
Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, Surendra Bahadur Thapa, expressed happiness over hosting the event, stating that the tourism mart will play a crucial role in promoting the rural municipality’s tourism potential. He noted that following the successful completion of “Bandipur Visit Year 2025,” the municipality has declared a new campaign focused on village tourism, making the event of this mart particularly significant.
Thapa also revealed that the development of the Bandipur homestay circuit is in its final phase. The initiative is expected to enhance visitor experiences by offering authentic local hospitality while directly benefiting community households. He emphasized that such programs contribute not only to tourism promotion but also to income generation and employment opportunities at the grassroots level.
Platform for Business Networking and Promotion
According to Maniram Lamichhane, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, this will be the fourth edition of the tourism mart, with the previous three editions having been held in Pokhara. Hosting the event in Bandipur marks a strategic shift toward decentralizing tourism activities and bringing opportunities closer to rural communities.
The mart will feature a range of activities, including exhibition stalls by community homestays and tourism entrepreneurs, panel discussions on rural tourism development, and cultural performances representing diverse ethnic communities. These programs aim to promote local culture while creating awareness about the potential of village tourism. In addition, promotional materials related to rural tourism will be distributed to visitors, helping to increase outreach and attract both domestic and international tourists.
Strengthening Market Linkages
One of the major objectives of the Village Tourism Mart is to establish strong Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) linkages. Organizers aim to create a platform where small-scale tourism entrepreneurs and community homestays from villages can directly connect with urban markets and larger travel agencies.
By bridging this gap, the mart seeks to enhance the marketability of rural tourism products and services while ensuring that local communities receive direct economic benefits. The initiative is also expected to encourage both private and public sector investment in village tourism, contributing to long-term sustainability.
Wide Participation Expected
Organizers have informed that more than 30 participants, including homestays, tourism firms, entrepreneurs, policymakers, local government representatives, organizations, media personnel, and both domestic and international tourists, will take part in the event. Students from schools and colleges are also expected to attend, making the mart an inclusive platform for learning and engagement. The press meet was chaired by Shova Sapkota, who emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to elevate rural tourism in Gandaki Province and beyond.
The Village Tourism Mart in Bandipur is expected to serve as a milestone event in Nepal’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional trekking and mountaineering. By focusing on community-based tourism and cultural experiences, the initiative aligns with global trends that favor sustainable and immersive travel.
As Bandipur prepares to welcome visitors and industry stakeholders, the mart is anticipated to not only showcase the charm of this historic hilltop town but also pave the way for stronger rural tourism networks across Nepal.
