Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel “Ganes” has reaffirmed Nepal’s ambition to become a leading destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism and destination weddings, highlighting the country’s unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness and improving tourism infrastructure.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 13th EMF ACE Global Convention & Awards 2026 in Kathmandu, Minister Paudel welcomed hundreds of international delegates and underscored Nepal’s growing appeal as a host for world-class conferences, corporate gatherings and luxury wedding events. Minister Khadak Raj Paudel said Nepal is well positioned to become South Asia’s leading destination for MICE tourism and destination weddings.
Nepal Emerging as a Preferred Destination for Global Events
Addressing participants from the international event management, wedding and hospitality industries, Minister Paudel said Nepal possesses all the essential ingredients needed to become a premier destination for high-profile international events. He noted that Nepal’s breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, centuries-old cultural heritage, spiritual significance and expanding hospitality infrastructure provide an exceptional setting for global conferences, incentive travel, exhibitions and destination weddings.
According to the Minister, organizing international events of this scale not only enhances Nepal’s visibility in the global tourism market but also showcases the country’s ability to host world-class events while offering visitors authentic cultural and natural experiences. He expressed optimism that conventions of this scale would further elevate Nepal’s global profile, attract new investment, and contribute to the long-term sustainable growth of the country’s tourism industry. He reaffirmed the government’s vision of positioning Nepal as one of South Asia’s leading destinations for MICE tourism, destination weddings and high-value tourism.
MICE Tourism Can Drive Economic Growth
Minister Paudel emphasized that the expansion of MICE tourism and destination weddings has the potential to become a major driver of Nepal’s tourism economy. He stated that such events significantly increase visitor spending, encourage tourists to extend their stay and generate employment opportunities across the tourism value chain, benefiting hotels, travel companies, event organizers, transport operators, local businesses and communities. The Minister said attracting more international conferences, exhibitions and wedding events would also create new opportunities for investment, business collaboration and long-term tourism development.
Government Committed to Strengthening Tourism Infrastructure
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to tourism development, Minister Paudel said Nepal is continuously working to improve tourism infrastructure, expand connectivity and strengthen collaboration with the private sector. He stressed that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment that supports the growth of high-value tourism segments such as MICE tourism and destination weddings. According to him, close cooperation between the public and private sectors will play a crucial role in positioning Nepal as a competitive destination in the international tourism and events market.
Delegates Encouraged to Explore Nepal
Welcoming the international delegates attending the convention, Minister Paudel encouraged them to experience Nepal beyond the capital city. He invited participants to visit renowned destinations including Pokhara, Chitwan, and Janakpur, saying these locations offer unique cultural, natural and recreational experiences that could serve as ideal venues for future conferences, incentive travel programmes and destination weddings. He expressed confidence that the delegates’ firsthand experiences would encourage them to recommend Nepal for future international events and celebrations.
Vision for South Asia’s Leading Event Destination
Concluding his address, Minister Paudel said Nepal is fully prepared to welcome visitors from around the world with its unique blend of spectacular landscapes, rich traditions, warm hospitality and memorable experiences. He reaffirmed the country’s vision of establishing itself as one of South Asia’s leading destinations for MICE tourism, international events and destination weddings, adding that global conventions such as the EMF ACE Global Convention & Awards provide an important platform to showcase Nepal’s tourism potential to the international community.
