To foster deeper tourism relations, the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and the Phuket Tourism Association are collaboratively working to promote two-way tourism exchange, with a special focus on Buddhist tourism.
Collaboration Following BITM Participation
The foundation for this partnership was laid during the participation of the Phuket Tourism Association in the NATTA Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM). This interaction opened avenues for mutual tourism promotion, especially in cultural and spiritual tourism sectors, where both countries see substantial growth potential.
Building upon this momentum, NATTA’s Senior Vice President Mrs. Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha and Secretary Mr. Bishnu Pandey traveled to Thailand to attend the Phuket Health Expo held from July 2–4, 2025. Their presence at the event reflects NATTA’s proactive commitment to expanding global tourism relations and strengthening the presence of Nepalese tourism offerings in international forums.
Focus on Buddhist Tourism Exchange
Buddhist tourism has emerged as a key area of focus within this bilateral cooperation. Both Nepal and Thailand share strong historical and cultural ties through Buddhism, and this shared spiritual heritage is now being strategically developed into a tourism exchange model. Nepal, being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, holds immense significance for Thai Buddhist pilgrims, while Thailand offers diverse Buddhist sites and wellness tourism options that appeal to Nepali travelers and tour operators.
By collaborating on Buddhist tourism, NATTA and the Phuket Tourism Association aim to increase religious and cultural tourist arrivals in both directions. This effort is also expected to attract investment and encourage the development of infrastructure, tour packages, and hospitality services tailored to Buddhist travelers.
Phuket Health Expo Participation Highlights Mutual Tourism Goals
During their participation at the Phuket Health Expo, NATTA representatives engaged with key tourism and health industry stakeholders from Thailand. The expo, which highlighted wellness tourism, medical tourism, and sustainable travel, provided an ideal platform for the Nepalese delegation to explore new business opportunities and strengthen regional networks.
Mrs. Shrestha emphasized the importance of wellness and spiritual tourism as emerging trends that can be mutually beneficial. “Our collaboration with the Phuket Tourism Association opens a meaningful pathway for both nations to grow together through tourism exchange, especially by highlighting our shared Buddhist heritage,” she said.
Future Prospects and Cooperation Initiatives
This partnership is expected to result in joint promotional campaigns, familiarization trips, exchange of best practices in tourism management, and the facilitation of direct travel routes and services between Nepal and Phuket. There is also interest in organizing Buddhist pilgrimage circuits, wellness retreats, and cultural events that can draw international tourists to both destinations.
NATTA officials further mentioned that discussions are ongoing to host reciprocal tourism roadshows and participate in international travel exhibitions under a common partnership framework. These initiatives are aimed at showcasing Nepal’s unique offerings, ranging from Buddhist heritage sites like Lumbini to adventure and eco-tourism experiences.
A Step Forward in Regional Tourism Integration
This collaboration marks a meaningful step toward regional tourism integration and deeper diplomatic ties between Nepal and Thailand. With NATTA’s continued efforts to build partnerships beyond borders, and the Phuket Tourism Association’s dynamic approach to tourism development, both countries are poised to benefit from increased visitor flows, cultural understanding, and economic opportunities in the tourism sector. As global tourism steadily recovers post-pandemic, such proactive partnerships play a vital role in shaping a resilient and inclusive tourism ecosystem across Asia.
