Continuing its tradition, the prestigious Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) is set to return this year, scheduled for Jestha 9–11, 2082 BS (late May 2025). For the first time, the event will be held both in Kathmandu and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, aiming to further enhance Nepal’s global tourism profile.
To prepare for this significant event, the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) organized a discussion program with key stakeholders in Lumbini. During the meeting, NATTA Central President Kumar Mani Thapaliya emphasized that this year’s BITM will be more organized and inclusive compared to previous editions. “This time, the Buddhist International Travel Mart will be hosted both in Kathmandu and Lumbini to ensure wider participation and ownership,” he said.
Third Edition with New Vision
The third edition of BITM aims to significantly contribute to Nepal’s tourism promotion. Event Coordinator Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha stated that the mart will not only promote Buddhist tourism destinations but will also highlight other attractive tourist sites across Nepal. She also mentioned that preparations are ongoing in collaboration with tourism stakeholders from the Lumbini area to ensure a grand and impactful event. The mart is expected to draw participation from reputed domestic and international travel agencies, giving Nepalese tourism a major global spotlight.
Stakeholders Share Enthusiastic Suggestions
At the discussion, Rajesh Mahora, a member of the Lumbini Province Tourism Development Council and the Central Deputy General Secretary of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Federation Nepal, stressed that BITM must focus on promoting Lumbini’s tourism destinations.
Tourism entrepreneur Lucky Singh recommended organizing panel discussions among Buddhist travel experts to make the event even more informative and meaningful. Similarly, NATTA Lumbini’s founding president Bishnu Prasad Sharma stressed that learning from past experiences and involving local communities would ensure greater success this year.
Collaborative Efforts Essential
Former President of NATTA Lumbini Province, Sagar Adhikari, highlighted that BITM must incorporate activities like farm trips, panel discussions, and strong promotion of Lumbini’s tourist spots, ensuring maximum achievement with joint efforts.
Moreover, Netra Prasad Acharya, President of Siddhartha Industry and Commerce Association, Rupandehi, expressed confidence that BITM would help overcome the frustration caused by the lack of international flights at Gautam Buddha International Airport and contribute to revitalizing the tourism industry.
Provincial-Level Committee Formed
To ensure the smooth organization of the mart in Lumbini, NATTA Lumbini’s President Chandra Bahadur Thapa informed that a provincial-level committee has been formed. BITM has already seen two successful editions previously, and this third edition promises to be bigger and more effective in attracting global attention to Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage.
