The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Gandaki Province successfully organized a high-level B2B networking event in Kolkata, India, under the “Pokhara–Nepal Promotion Campaign 2026,” marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism collaboration between Pokhara and Kolkata. The event created by NATTA Gandaki a strong platform for direct engagement between Nepali and Indian tourism entrepreneurs, paving the way for increased tourist exchange and long-term business partnerships.
Indian tourism operators attending the program described Pokhara as one of the finest tourism destinations in South Asia and expressed commitment to sending more Indian tourists to Nepal in the coming years. The initiative comes at a time when Pokhara has been increasingly emerging as a preferred destination for Indian travelers due to its religious significance, natural beauty, adventure activities, and proximity.
Growing Indian Tourist Flow and Rising Demand for Pokhara
In recent years, Pokhara has become one of the most visited destinations for Indian tourists, with increasing arrivals especially during peak seasons. The city is currently witnessing a strong influx of visitors from India, with hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions experiencing high occupancy. Recognizing this growing demand, NATTA Gandaki organized the B2B promotional event in Kolkata to further strengthen market connectivity.
Indian tour operators participating in the program agreed to actively promote Pokhara, Muktinath, Annapurna region, and other destinations within Gandaki Province to their clients. The campaign initiate by NATTA Gandaki, popularly themed “Garmi Ma Chalo Pokhara,” aims to position Pokhara as a refreshing summer getaway for Indian travelers, particularly from West Bengal and neighboring states.
Tourism as a Bridge Between Nepal and India
Speaking at the program, Chief Guest and Consul General of Nepal in Kolkata, Jhakkaprasad Acharya, highlighted that tourism is not just about travel but a powerful bridge connecting friendship, culture, and economic prosperity between Nepal and India.
He emphasized that geographical proximity, shared cultural values, and deep historical relations between West Bengal and Nepal provide a strong foundation for tourism expansion. He further stated that Pokhara stands as one of the most attractive destinations in South Asia, and such promotional initiatives significantly enhance people-to-people ties, trade relations, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Strong Business Interest from Indian Tourism Stakeholders
NATTA Gandaki Province Chairman Kishor Dahal expressed satisfaction over the strong interest shown by Indian tourism entrepreneurs toward Pokhara and other destinations in Gandaki Province. He stated that the B2B interaction is expected to significantly boost Indian tourist arrivals in Nepal.
Program Coordinator Sangeeta Paudel highlighted that Kolkata and the broader West Bengal region represent one of the most promising source markets for Nepal’s tourism industry. She noted that direct communication and networking with Indian travel operators would open new avenues for business cooperation and joint tourism product development in the future.
Improved Connectivity and Ease of Travel Between Nepal and India
Former President of Pokhara Tourism Council and Past NATTA President Pom Narayan Shrestha emphasized that the relationship between Pokhara and Kolkata is not limited to tourism alone but also extends to cultural and social connections. He stressed that the operation of direct flights between Pokhara and Kolkata would significantly benefit both destinations by increasing tourist flow and strengthening economic ties.
NATTA Gandaki Vice President and Program Co-Coordinator Rajesh Pahari added that recent improvements in Nepal–India road connectivity have made travel easier and more convenient. Indian tourists can now travel to Pokhara using private or rental vehicles, which is expected to further boost visitor numbers.
Strong Participation from Leading Indian Tourism Associations
The event witnessed participation from major Indian tourism organizations including the Eastern Chapter of Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), Travel Agents Welfare Association, Indian Association of Tour Operators, Travel Agents Association of Bengal, Association of Buddhist Tour Operators, and Association of Tourism Service Providers of Bengal.
Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) Eastern Chapter President Kaushik Banerjee described Pokhara as a highly attractive destination for Indian tourists and expressed confidence that cooperation between West Bengal tourism entrepreneurs and NATTA Gandaki will further increase tourist exchange in the coming years. He also highlighted that open borders, cultural similarities, and short travel distance between Nepal and India provide immense opportunities for tourism expansion.
Call for Direct Flights and Integrated Tourism Packages
Participants at the program emphasized that the establishment of direct air connectivity between Pokhara and Kolkata would significantly increase tourist arrivals not only from West Bengal but also from Bihar, Jharkhand, and India’s northeastern states.
They also expressed readiness to collaborate in designing integrated tourism packages covering Pokhara, Muktinath, Lumbini, Chitwan, and Annapurna region. According to NATTA Secretary Chetan Karki, such packages would enhance cross-border tourism cooperation and create sustainable business opportunities for both countries.
A New Chapter in Nepal–West Bengal Tourism Relations
Tourism entrepreneurs concluded that the B2B networking event in Kolkata has opened a new chapter in tourism cooperation between Pokhara and West Bengal. The event successfully facilitated direct communication, business exchange, and partnership development between Nepali and Indian stakeholders.
With growing interest from Indian travel operators and increasing visibility of Pokhara as a premium destination, the initiative is expected to significantly boost Indian tourist arrivals in the coming years, strengthening Pokhara’s position as one of South Asia’s leading tourism hubs.
