In a major initiative aimed at enhancing Nepal’s global image as a key Buddhist pilgrimage destination, the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) officially announced the third edition of the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) 2025. The announcement was made during a special press conference held today at Hotel Aloft in Thamel, Kathmandu. The event marks a significant step in Nepal’s tourism promotion efforts, particularly in highlighting its immense Buddhist heritage.
As part of this announcement, a formal agreement was signed between the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and NATTA on April 4, 2025 (Chaitra 22, 2081 B.S.) to jointly organize BITM 2025. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of NTB, and Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of NATTA. In the lead-up to the event, Mr. Sunil Sharma, Acting Director of NTB, and Mrs. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, Senior Vice President of NATTA and BITM 2025 Coordinator, will serve as key representatives and coordinators.
BITM 2025 is scheduled to take place from May 23 to 25, 2025 (Jestha 10–12, 2082 B.S.) with grand events in both Kathmandu and Lumbini–Bhairahawa. The inaugural ceremony, international conference, and exhibition will be held on May 23 and 24 at a five-star hotel in Kathmandu. The final day, May 25, will feature business-to-business (B2B) sessions, a familiarization (FAM) trip, a networking dinner, and the closing ceremony in Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The event anticipates participation from over 150 international hosted buyers with a focus on Buddhist tourism, along with more than 60 national and international sellers. Key participating countries include India, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, reflecting a strong regional and global interest in Buddhist heritage and travel. The organizers expect over 1,100 visitors, including national and international travel industry professionals, Buddhist scholars, partners, and media representatives.
To encourage early registration, participants must register by May 10, 2025 (Baishakh 28, 2082 B.S.), and those who complete their registration by April 30, 2025 (Baishakh 18, 2082 B.S.), will receive an “Early Bird” discount. The official website of the event, https://www.bitmnepal.com, has been launched, allowing participants to register and access detailed information such as the event schedule, profiles of participants, and exhibition venue layouts.
In addition, various sponsorship packages Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver have been made available to offer branding, promotional collaboration, and international exposure opportunities for partners at different levels.
Speaking at the press event, NTB CEO Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi stated, “Nepal has immense potential in Buddhist heritage, which resonates emotionally with millions across the world. BITM 2025 will firmly position Nepal as a key destination in international Buddhist pilgrimage tourism and will contribute significantly to long-term tourism promotion.”
NATTA President Mr. Kumar Mani Thapaliya emphasized that the event is an opportunity to present Nepal not only as the birthplace of Buddha but also as a country deeply rooted in Buddhist history, culture, and spirituality. He added that the event will strengthen collaboration between the private sector and government institutions.
In her presentation, Mrs. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, the BITM 2025 Coordinator and Senior Vice President of NATTA, highlighted the event’s focus on impactful and fruitful engagement. “We have included various segments like business meetings, FAM trips, and cultural programs to ensure a meaningful experience for all participants. Through this platform, we aim to showcase Lumbini and Nepal’s broader Buddhist tourism potential to the global audience.”
The event was also graced by NTB board members Mr. Rishi Ram Bhandari and Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama, along with NTB officials and executive members of NATTA. The session was moderated by NATTA Executive Chief Mr. Raghunath Bidari, who facilitated discussions and responded to media queries.
The organizers affirmed their commitment to making BITM 2025 an inclusive, world-class, and result-oriented event. They called for active participation and collaboration from the entire tourism industry, government agencies, international partners, media, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure its success. BITM 2025 is widely expected to become a historic milestone in promoting Nepal’s religious tourism, particularly its rich Buddhist heritage, on a global scale.
