A two-day “Village Travel Mart” has begun in Bandipur with the objective of promoting village tourism and strengthening Nepal’s rural hospitality sector. The event is jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province authorities, and Bandipur Rural Municipality, with co-organization support from the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF). The initiative aims to connect homestay operators, tourism entrepreneurs, and media representatives while showcasing the diversity of rural tourism experiences in the region.
Exposure Visits to Key Attractions
According to Maniraj Lamichhane, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province Office, participants of the mart were taken on familiarization tours to various tourism destinations around Bandipur. These included Rumsi Homestay, Ramkot Homestay, and the popular Siddha Cave, among other nearby attractions.
Strengthening Rural Tourism Vision
Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, Surendra Babu Thapa, expressed confidence that the mart would significantly contribute to promoting rural tourism in the area. He noted that following the successful completion of “Visit Bandipur Year 2025,” the municipality has announced a renewed “Village Tourism Visit Year,” and such events are expected to play a crucial role in sustaining tourism growth.
Participation from Across Gandaki Province
The mart features promotional stalls from 29 homestays representing 10 districts of Gandaki Province, with Myagdi being the only district not participating. In addition to exhibitions, the event also hosts discussions and interactions on various aspects of village tourism, focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and service quality.
A Platform for Rural Tourism Growth
The Homestay Mart is expected to serve as a vital platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and promotion of authentic Nepali village experiences, reinforcing Bandipur’s position as a leading rural tourism destination in Nepal.
