Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, has emphasized that art and culture, which play a crucial role in a nation’s economic and social development, are a source of national pride.
Inaugurating the international tourism fair Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM) today, jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board in collaboration with PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Airlines, and other private sector stakeholders, Minister Pandey highlighted the need to promote cultural heritage that supports the growth of Nepal’s travel industry.
Minister Pandey also stressed the importance of collective efforts to mitigate the risks posed by climate change. Furthermore, he called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen Nepal’s travel infrastructure and offerings.
Chief Executive Officer of the NTB, Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, remarked that Nepal is a premier destination for nature-based tourism. “Nepal is not only home to the majestic Himalayas but also boasts rich cultural and biological diversity, making it a comprehensive destination for travelers,” he said.
The Himalayan Travel Mart has been organized with the objective of promoting Nepal’s travel globally. The event, hosted by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter and Nepal Tourism Board, has drawn more than 700 participants, including over 100 international guests and tourism professionals from over 30 countries.
Organized in collaboration with Nepal Airlines and various national and international tourism organizations, the mart includes a high-level conference where over 20 national and international speakers will share insights on spiritual, adventure, and luxury, sustainable tourism, contemporary market trends, current issues, and emerging opportunities in this sector.
As part of its B2B (Business-to-Business) program, the mart this year has attracted over 60 international buyers from the United States, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Russia, and CIS countries. On the selling side, more than 65 sellers representing destinations from Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are participating.
The Himalayan Travel Mart is expected to contribute significantly to the promotion of Nepal as a diverse and sustainable travel destination in the global market.
