Nepal has urged the international tourism sector to strengthen crisis management systems, improve disaster preparedness and invest in climate resilient tourism during the 20th World Travel Market (WTM) Ministers’ Summit in London. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Poudel (Ganesh) highlighted the growing threats posed by climate change to tourism destinations, particularly mountainous regions that are highly vulnerable to floods, landslides and other natural disasters.
The summit brought together tourism ministers, policymakers and private sector leaders to discuss ways to strengthen the resilience of the global tourism industry against environmental, economic and geopolitical disruptions. Jointly organized by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and UN Tourism, the high level gathering focused on proactive crisis management, adaptation strategies and effective recovery mechanisms.
Nepal Highlights Climate Threats to Mountain Tourism
Addressing the summit, Minister Poudel drew attention to the increasing vulnerability of mountainous tourism destinations to climate induced disasters. He referred to the devastating Bhotekoshi flash floods in Nepal, which resulted in loss of life and caused extensive damage to tourism infrastructure and local economic activities. He emphasized that climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern but an immediate challenge affecting communities and the foundations of tourism economies.
Nepal’s experience highlights the risks faced by destinations that depend on natural landscapes, mountain routes and adventure tourism. Floods, landslides and other climate related hazards can disrupt travel activities, damage infrastructure and affect the livelihoods of communities dependent on tourism. The minister stressed the importance of strengthening resilience to protect both destinations and the people who support the tourism industry.
Calls for Stronger International Crisis Management Systems
The minister emphasized that tourism destinations must move beyond responding to disasters after they occur and establish stronger institutional systems for preparedness and risk management. He advocated for integrated crisis management frameworks that connect local communities, national governments and international organizations. Such coordination would help destinations improve early preparedness, organize emergency responses and accelerate recovery following unexpected disruptions.
He also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing tourism related crises, particularly when disasters affect destinations with limited resources and vulnerable infrastructure. Stronger coordination between public authorities and tourism stakeholders can help reduce economic losses, protect visitors and maintain confidence in affected destinations. These measures are essential for building a tourism industry capable of responding effectively to future challenges.
Community Empowerment at the Centre of Tourism Resilience
Poudel stressed that local communities must play a central role in tourism crisis preparedness because they are often the first to experience disasters and respond to emergencies. Communities living in mountain destinations are also closely connected to the natural and cultural resources that attract visitors. Strengthening their capacity through preparedness initiatives, awareness and institutional support can improve the overall safety and resilience of tourism destinations.
He further emphasized that community empowerment must be supported by effective government policies and coordinated action. Local participation, combined with government leadership and international assistance, can help establish stronger disaster response mechanisms while protecting tourism related livelihoods. This approach also supports more inclusive and sustainable tourism development in vulnerable destinations.
Nepal Promotes Climate Resilient and Sustainable Tourism
Nepal’s intervention at the summit highlighted the need to integrate climate adaptation and disaster preparedness into long term tourism planning. As a country whose tourism industry relies significantly on mountains, trekking routes and natural attractions, Nepal faces increasing pressure to protect its destinations from environmental disruptions. Investing in resilient infrastructure, strengthening local preparedness and improving coordination among tourism stakeholders are important steps towards reducing these risks.
The discussions at the 20th WTM Ministers’ Summit also reinforced the importance of collective action in safeguarding the future of global tourism. Nepal’s call for stronger crisis management systems and community empowerment placed climate resilience among the important priorities for tourism development. The country’s position underlined the need for governments, international organizations and local communities to work together to ensure tourism destinations remain safe, sustainable and economically viable.
