The sixth edition of the Eastern Travel Mart 2026 concluded successfully as a three-day event from March 28 to 30, 2026, positioning eastern Nepal as a prime gateway for tourism. The event highlighted Koshi Province’s growing appeal for domestic and international travelers and reinforced its strategic role in Nepal’s tourism landscape.
Organized collaboratively by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, and tourism associations from the eastern region, the Mart provided a vibrant platform for showcasing local destinations, cultural products, adventure tourism offerings, and investment opportunities. Over the course of three days, the event attracted business representatives and tourism professionals, facilitating discussions that promote regional tourism growth and cross-border collaboration.
A Platform for Business and Collaboration
The Eastern Travel Mart has evolved into a key B2B and promotional platform, connecting local tourism operators with stakeholders from across India and Bhutan. This year’s event hosted participants from more than 100 Indian tour operators and hoteliers representing four Indian states: Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Sikkim, as well as tourism professionals from Bhutan. Exhibition stalls, business meetings, and networking sessions provided opportunities for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and joint marketing initiatives, creating a strong foundation for long-term tourism collaboration.
According to organizers, the Mart also spotlighted tourism-related investment opportunities, offering insights into potential projects and destinations that could drive economic development in Koshi Province. By combining promotional activities with business discussions, the Eastern Travel Mart has become an essential platform for both Nepalese and regional tourism operators seeking growth and market visibility.
Key Figures and Honorees
The event was formally addressed by Mr. Mukund Prasad Niraula, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board. Their addresses emphasized the government’s commitment to developing regional tourism infrastructure and enhancing cross-border tourism collaboration.
In addition to official addresses, the Mart honored Senior Director Hikmat Singh Ayer for his 25 years of outstanding service in the tourism sector. Recognized by the Eastern Region Tour Operators, the award highlighted his pivotal role in establishing the Eastern Travel Mart as a premier platform for tourism promotion in Nepal’s eastern region. Ayer’s efforts have been instrumental in strengthening ties with Indian states and Bhutan, fostering a cooperative environment that benefits the region’s tourism industry.
Boosting Regional Tourism and Economic Growth
The Eastern Travel Mart 2026 underscores the NTB’s ongoing efforts to promote regional tourism development, aligning with broader initiatives to attract cross-border visitors and stimulate local economies. By facilitating interaction between local tourism operators and international counterparts, the event contributes to knowledge exchange, business partnerships, and sustainable tourism practices.
Organizers and participants expressed optimism that the momentum generated by the Mart will continue to strengthen Koshi Province as a prominent tourism hub, attracting domestic and international travelers while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. With such platforms in place, Nepal’s eastern region is well-positioned to capitalize on its cultural, natural, and adventure tourism potential, fostering a vibrant and resilient tourism sector.
