The 3rd Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators, an important event for the tourism sector, is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on February 6-7, 2025. Nepal, as the host, is set to welcome distinguished representatives from the seven member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC); Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal.
The meeting will provide a significant platform for industry stakeholders, including national tourism organizations, private sector representatives, and officials from the BIMSTEC Secretariat, to come together to strengthen regional cooperation and explore fresh avenues for tourism development.
The BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators meeting will focus on promoting sustainable tourism across the region by addressing critical challenges, collaborating on shared goals, and discussing strategies to improve tourism management in the member states. The discussions are expected to lead to actionable outcomes that will positively impact the tourism industry, benefiting both businesses and travelers in the BIMSTEC region.
A key focus of the meeting will be enhancing regional tourism through effective destination management. The representatives will examine the diverse tourism offerings in each member country, working together to ensure these destinations are developed responsibly and attractively.
This will include exploring strategies for preserving cultural and natural heritage, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that tourism growth is aligned with sustainable practices. Effective destination management is not only vital for boosting the tourism sector but also for ensuring that the region’s unique environments and cultures are respected and protected for future generations.

Another essential agenda item will be discussing the operationalization of the BIMSTEC Buddhist Circuits and BIMSTEC Cruise Circuits. These initiatives, aimed at promoting specific tourism routes across the region, hold tremendous potential for both economic growth and cross-cultural understanding. The Buddhist Circuits, which will link significant Buddhist heritage sites across BIMSTEC nations, will foster greater cultural exchange, spiritual tourism, and deeper connections between the people of the region.
Similarly, the BIMSTEC Cruise Circuits offer exciting prospects for developing cruise tourism, tapping into the growing market of luxury travel while contributing to the regional economy. By facilitating these tourism routes, BIMSTEC nations will be able to harness the collective power of their unique cultural and geographical assets.
Visa facilitation measures will also be an important topic of discussion. Simplifying visa procedures and enhancing connectivity between BIMSTEC countries will play a crucial role in boosting intra-regional tourism.
By removing barriers to travel, the nations aim to make it easier for tourists to explore neighboring countries, thus increasing tourism flows and creating stronger economic links between the BIMSTEC member states. This move will not only benefit the tourism industry but will also encourage cultural exchange and mutual understanding among the people of these nations.
The two-day event will also provide an opportunity for the participants to share best practices, lessons learned, and ideas for overcoming the common challenges faced by the tourism sector in the region. Challenges such as the impact of climate change on tourism, infrastructure deficits, and the need for skilled workforce development are likely to feature prominently in the conversations.

By fostering collaboration, the meeting hopes to identify practical solutions to these issues, ultimately creating a more resilient and prosperous tourism sector in BIMSTEC countries. In the lead-up to the meeting, tourism professionals from the participating nations are enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate and enhance the overall tourism experience within the region.
The event is expected to open doors to new business partnerships, as well as to create a stronger framework for tourism cooperation among the BIMSTEC nations. This regional cooperation is essential for promoting the region as a unified, attractive destination for international tourists while boosting local economies through the tourism sector.
As Nepal prepares to host this pivotal gathering, the event signifies a key milestone in fostering regional tourism partnerships and cooperation across South and Southeast Asia. The meeting is expected to not only tackle current challenges but also explore the immense potential for growth in the region’s tourism industry.
By prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration, the BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators aims to create lasting impacts that will benefit tourism operators, governments, and visitors alike, helping to drive the growth of tourism as a catalyst for regional development.
This important summit in Kathmandu will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in BIMSTEC nations, bringing diverse cultures closer together and establishing stronger economic and cultural ties across the region.