The third edition of the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM 2025) commenced with a grand inauguration in Kathmandu, setting a powerful tone for one of the most anticipated events in the global Buddhist tourism calendar. Organized by the Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the three-day event is being held from May 23–25, with the final day hosted in the sacred city of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The opening ceremony, held at The Soaltee Kathmandu, drew an impressive gathering of international delegates, tourism experts, government officials, and Buddhist scholars. The program was chaired by NATTA President Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, who welcomed the guests with a message of unity and spiritual exchange. The event was graced by Honourable Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, as the Chief Guest, alongside Hon. Sadananda Mandal, Minister for Tourism, Forest and Environment of Koshi Province, who delivered special remarks.
Adding to the event’s prestige, key figures including Mr. Larykyal Lama, Vice Chair of the Lumbini Development Trust; Mr. Chandra Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI); Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of NTB; and Ms. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, Convener of BITM 2025, shared their insights on promoting Nepal as a premier Buddhist tourism destination.
A highlight of the inaugural program was a captivating musical performance by Thai artist Ms. Ann Mitchai, followed by the unveiling of the official souvenir book, Sacred Pathways, which encapsulates the spiritual and cultural richness of Nepal’s Buddhist heritage.
An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NATTA and the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), symbolizing deepened regional cooperation in Buddhist tourism and cross-border pilgrimage promotion.
In a tribute to leadership and legacy, former NATTA Presidents Mr. C.N. Pandey, Mr. Achyut Guragain, and Mr. Ramesh Thapa were felicitated for their pioneering contributions in establishing BITM as a global platform for Buddhist tourism exchange.
For the first time, BITM is being held across both Kathmandu and Lumbini, marking a significant expansion from its previous editions in Lumbini in 2019 and 2023. The dual-venue format underscores Nepal’s holistic vision for Buddhist tourism, connecting the spiritual essence of pilgrimage with broader economic and cultural development.
The first day of BITM 2025 witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 60 hosted international delegates, 53 exhibitors, and more than 250 visitors from countries including India, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Canada. International exhibitors from India, Bhutan, and Singapore showcased Buddhist-themed tourism products and pilgrimage routes.
BITM 2025
The day’s program featured a series of high-level panel discussions and presentations. Renowned speakers included Mr. Ravi Gosain, President of IATO; Ms. Somsong Sachaphimukh, Vice President of the Tourism Council of Thailand; Mr. Li Keqi, Director of China’s 318 Route; Mr. Dipendra Purush Dhakal, former Governor and Secretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; and Mr. Pawan Tuladhar, a leading tourism entrepreneur.
A standout session was delivered by Dr. Hiranya Lal Shrestha, former Ambassador of Nepal to Russia, titled “Tourism Through Diplomatic Eyes,” which emphasized the power of diplomacy in fostering spiritual tourism ties.
The Koshi Province, which remains one of the lesser-known Buddhist regions, held a special destination promotion session led by Mr. Surya Thapaliya of NTB, bringing attention to its hidden spiritual sites and unique cultural assets. Valuable insights were also provided by the Shanghai Tourism Association, highlighting emerging trends in Chinese Buddhist travel markets.
Looking ahead, Day 2 of BITM 2025 will continue in Kathmandu with a thematic session on “Nepal’s Tourism Potential of Buddhist Heritage Sites & Ritual Ceremonies,” moderated by Mr. Tilak Lama Lopchan. The session will include a keynote by Dr. Mohan Khatiwada, a special video presentation by Ms. Yubika Bhandari, Secretary General of NATTA, and a distinguished panel featuring Acharya Pema Rinchen, Acharya Tsering Tobgyal Lama, Mr. Gyanin Rai of the Lumbini Development Trust, and Mr. Kaulesh Kumar, General Secretary of the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators.
The final day, May 25, will transport international delegates to Lumbini for an immersive Familiarization (FAM) Tour of the Greater Lumbini Area. The day’s activities will include B2B meetings, heritage site visits, and strategic discussions on strengthening cross-border Buddhist pilgrimage routes across South and Southeast Asia.
BITM 2025 stands out not merely as a business mart, but as a cultural and spiritual confluence, fostering sustainable tourism and deep intercultural connections. The event brings together Buddhist scholars, Rinpoches, Khenpos, and tourism stakeholders to co-create enriching pilgrimage experiences grounded in respect, compassion, and spiritual reflection.
Reflecting on the event’s vision, NATTA President Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya remarked, “BITM is not just a marketplace; it is a meeting of minds and traditions. Nepal offers a rare sanctuary where diverse spiritual paths converge peacefully. Through BITM, we aim to share this legacy with the world and promote deeper human connection through the Buddha’s timeless message of compassion and harmony.”
With its strong regional collaboration, strategic vision, and growing international interest, BITM 2025 has once again reaffirmed Nepal’s position as the spiritual and cultural heartland of Buddhism, while paving the way for a more inclusive and respectful model of global pilgrimage tourism.
