A two-day “Kechana–Kanchenjunga Responsible Tourism Meet” has begun in Ilam from today, aiming to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in eastern Nepal by integrating biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural attractions across the region. The event has been organized by the Ilam Municipality Tourism Promotion Committee and is being held at the Gautam Buddha City Hall in the district headquarters. The initiative seeks to position eastern Nepal as a unified tourism corridor stretching from Kechana, the lowest point of Nepal, to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak.
Event Inauguration by Provincial Tourism Minister
The meet is set to be inaugurated by Bhim Parajuli, Minister for Tourism, Forest and Environment of Koshi Province. According to Sushila Sapkota, Coordinator of the Tourism Promotion Center, the event has been designed to strengthen collaboration among tourism stakeholders and promote the region’s diverse ecological and cultural identity.
She stated that the primary objective of the program is to promote Kechana and Kanchenjunga as interconnected tourism destinations, highlighting the region’s geographical diversity from the Terai plains to the high Himalayan landscapes.
Vision to Develop Integrated Tourism Corridor
Organizers emphasized that the initiative aims to develop Kechana and Kanchenjunga as a single tourism corridor and enhance promotional efforts to attract both domestic and international visitors. Sapkota noted that the concept focuses on showcasing the full spectrum of eastern Nepal’s natural and cultural richness, ranging from lowland biodiversity zones to high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems. The corridor-based tourism model is expected to help diversify tourism products, extend visitor stays, and promote sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
Participation from Nepal and India
The Responsible Tourism Meet has brought together tourism entrepreneurs, cultural scholars, environmental experts, civil society representatives, and government stakeholders from both Nepal and India. Organizers stated that the inclusion of cross-border participants is expected to strengthen regional tourism cooperation and promote shared heritage tourism between the two countries. The event will continue until Sunday and will feature a series of discussions, presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Focus on Sustainability and Green Economy
According to organizers, the conference will host national and international experts who will discuss key themes such as responsible tourism practices, biodiversity conservation, environmental balance, local community participation, and the promotion of a green economy.
Experts are expected to highlight the importance of balancing tourism development with environmental protection, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like eastern Nepal. The meet is also expected to generate policy recommendations and practical strategies for improving sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Strengthening Eastern Nepal’s Tourism Identity
Officials believe that initiatives like the Kechana–Kanchenjunga Responsible Tourism Meet will play a significant role in strengthening eastern Nepal’s identity as a diverse and sustainable tourism destination. By connecting lowland attractions with Himalayan landscapes, the region aims to position itself as a unique destination offering a wide range of experiences, including cultural tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and nature-based travel. Organizers expressed confidence that the event will contribute to long-term tourism development while ensuring environmental preservation and community engagement remain central to future tourism planning.
