In a significant move to bolster cross-border tourism, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in collaboration with the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Sudurpaschim Province, organized a highly successful Joint Tourism Promotion Program in Dehradun. The event attracted considerable attention from the local tourism industry, with eight travel trade companies from Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province participating in the Business-to-Business (B2B) Sales Mission.
The program aimed at enhancing the visibility of Sudurpaschim Province as a prime tourist destination through strategic networking between Nepali tourism operators and potential buyers from Dehradun. The event featured an insightful presentation by Mr. Khadga Bikram Shah, Senior Manager of NTB, who highlighted Nepal’s diverse tourism attractions and the latest updates in the tourism sector. His presentation underscored the unique offerings of Sudurpaschim, ranging from natural beauty to cultural heritage, and adventurous activities.
Mr. Padam Bikram Singh, Chairperson of NATTA Sudurpaschim Province, welcomed the tour operators and media representatives, urging local operators to incorporate tour packages of Sudurpaschim Province into their offerings. He emphasized the potential of cross-border tourism to foster mutual economic growth and cultural exchange.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Yogesh Agrawal, President of the Doon Travel Owners’ Association (DTOA), committed to including tour packages of Nepal, particularly those featuring Sudurpaschim Province, in their itineraries. This announcement was met with enthusiasm, reflecting a promising future for tourism collaborations between the two regions.
The event also featured the screening of tourism promotional videos of Nepal, captivating the audience with stunning visuals of the country’s landscapes and cultural sites. The highlight of the event was the B2B interactions, where Nepali travel trade companies engaged with around 40 local operators from Dehradun. These interactions provided comprehensive information on accommodation, tours, services, and other tourism activities available in Nepal, paving the way for future business opportunities.
A significant milestone of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NATTA Sudurpaschim Province and Doon Travel Owners’ Association. This MoU aims to promote cross-border tourism and facilitate cooperation between the two associations, enhancing tourism exchanges and joint promotional activities.
Prior to the evening program, the Nepali delegation had a courtesy meeting with the Honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami. During the meeting, discussions were held on the progress of establishing flight operations between Dehradun and Nepal, a step expected to significantly boost tourism traffic.
The tourism promotional event in Dehradun has successfully created new business opportunities, fostering increased visitation from Uttarakhand to Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province. Accompanying Mr. Shah at the event was Mr. Yub Raj Gurung, an Officer of NTB, who played a crucial role in facilitating the interactions and discussions.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards strengthening tourism ties between Nepal and India, promising economic benefits and enriching cultural exchanges for both nations.