Building on the success of its destination wedding initiative, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in collaboration with the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), hosted the second day of its Nepal Promotion Program with a B2B networking session in New Delhi. The event was held at The LaLit New Delhi in partnership with the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, attracting high-level dignitaries, tourism stakeholders, and industry leaders from both Nepal and India.
Strong Industry Representation from Both Countries
The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 40 hotel brands from Nepal and over 80 travel agents and hospitality professionals from India, reflecting growing interest in Nepal as a preferred international travel destination. Chairman of HAN, Binayak Shah, welcomed dignitaries, participants, and media representatives, emphasizing the importance of such collaborative platforms in strengthening bilateral tourism ties.
Highlighting Nepal’s Unique Tourism Appeal
A key highlight of the event was a comprehensive presentation delivered by Laxman Gautam, who showcased Nepal’s diverse tourism offerings tailored to Indian travelers. He emphasized the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious connections between Nepal and India, noting that these shared ties make Nepal an attractive and easily marketable destination for Indian tourists. Gautam also highlighted Nepal’s appeal as a versatile destination, offering experiences ranging from spiritual tourism to adventure travel and luxury hospitality.
B2B Networking to Foster Partnerships
The event featured an extensive B2B networking session, enabling direct interaction between Nepali travel entrepreneurs and Indian travel industry stakeholders. The session aimed to build partnerships, encourage business collaborations, and expand market access for Nepal’s tourism products.
M.P. Bezbaruah shared insights into travel trends, noting that Nepal has remained a preferred international destination for Indian travelers since the late 1970s. “The historical trend of Nepal being the first choice for leisure, religious, and honeymoon travel among Indians continues to strengthen with rising outbound travel,” he stated.
Emphasis on Bilateral Cooperation and Future Initiatives
Ambika Joshi expressed appreciation for the strong participation and enthusiasm shown during the event. He highlighted the importance of continuing such initiatives to further deepen Nepal-India tourism cooperation.
Similarly, Robin Regmi emphasized opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in border tourism. “With over 1,700 kilometers of shared land border, there is immense potential to develop cross-border travel initiatives that benefit both countries,” he said.
Focus on Sustainability and Cultural Experiences
The event also highlighted the importance of sustainable travel practices. Ankita Jaiswal stressed the need to prioritize local culture in tourism development to create authentic experiences. She noted that culturally immersive travel experiences not only enhance visitor satisfaction but also encourage repeat visits, contributing to long-term tourism growth.
Growing Interest in Nepal as Wedding Destination
The two-day program, which began with a destination wedding-focused event, has generated significant interest among Indian wedding planners and tourism professionals. Participants expressed strong interest in Nepal as a wedding destination, citing cultural affinity, geographical proximity, and ease of travel as key advantages.
Positive Outlook for Tourism Growth
With the positive momentum generated by the event, both NTB and HAN expressed optimism about strengthening Nepal’s position in the Indian travel market. Officials believe that continued engagement through such promotional activities will lead to increased tourist arrivals, stronger business partnerships, and enhanced visibility of Nepal as a diverse and attractive destination for Indian travelers.
