Tourism Info Nepal

Nepal and India Commit to Boosting Cross-Border Religious Tourism

Nepal and India Commit to Boosting Cross-Border Religious Tourism

In a significant move to promote cross-border religious tourism, tourism entrepreneurs from Nepal and India have expressed their commitment to collaboration. This initiative was formalized during an interaction program jointly organized by the Indian Embassy in Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Board. Participants from both countries pledged to work together to enhance tourism promotion.

Both nations’ tourism stakeholders emphasized expanding partnerships in border areas and promoting religious tourism for mutual benefit. As part of this effort, Nepalese entrepreneurs were taken on a six-day familiarization tour of India’s prominent religious and tourist destinations, including Mathura, Agra, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. The tour featured site visits and interactive sessions among tourism entrepreneurs from both sides.

A key highlight of the program was a discussion held in Agra against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal. During the Business-to-Business (B2B) session, stakeholders exchanged information about tourism opportunities, challenges, and potential strategies. Contact details and promotional materials were also shared to facilitate collaboration.

Aakash Deep, Additional Strategic Officer at Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, stated that such programs significantly contribute to developing cooperative efforts between the two countries’ tourism sectors. Similarly, Kaushlendra Singh, General Secretary of Agra Travel Agent Association, highlighted the potential for religious tourism between Nepal and India and expressed excitement about promoting Nepal’s prominent destinations to Indian tourists.

Nepalese representatives, including officials from the Nepal Tourism Board, provided insights into Nepal’s religious and cultural tourism destinations. Senior Manager Shradha Shrestha stressed the importance of showcasing tourism potential and fostering collaboration through such initiatives. The participants discussed enhancing tourism activities and sought support from Indian stakeholders to attract more visitors to Nepal.

Janakpur Metropolitan City Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah emphasized ongoing efforts to develop the Ramayana Circuit connecting Ayodhya and Janakpur, urging cooperation to realize the vision. Similarly, Maya Prasad Bhatt, a tourism entrepreneur, called for collaborative efforts to promote emerging destinations in Far-West Nepal, such as Badimalika, Khaptad, and jungle safari sites.

A promotional event was also held in Varanasi, featuring a roadshow that culminated at Shastri Ghat. The program welcomed Nepalese delegates and focused on strategies to boost religious tourism between the two countries. Santosh Kumar Singh, President of Banarasi Tourism Guild, highlighted the centuries-old cultural and religious ties between Nepal and India. He also urged Hindu Nepali pilgrims to participate in the upcoming Kumbh Mela, set to occur in 12 years.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department’s Deputy Director, RK Rawat, praised the collaborative initiative and emphasized the need for its continuation. Earlier, in Lucknow, a formal tourism-related program facilitated experience sharing and discussions on future strategies.

This program saw the participation of 23 Nepalese delegates, including entrepreneurs, government representatives, and journalists. Nepal has also invited Indian tourism stakeholders for similar familiarization tours, underscoring the commitment to maintaining a sustainable collaboration framework between the two nations’ tourism boards.

This collective effort is expected to strengthen religious tourism ties and benefit both countries economically and culturally.

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