Today, September 27, marks the 45th World Tourism Day, celebrated in Nepal with various events and programs. Government agencies and tourism-related organizations have coordinated to make this day grand and meaningful. The main event is led by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, under the leadership of Minister Badri Prasad Pandey. A central organizing committee has been formed to manage the celebrations.
This year’s global theme is “Tourism for All: Promoting Accessible Tourism Worldwide,” while Nepal is celebrating the day under the national theme “Tourism and Peace.” Special programs include welcoming tourists at Tribhuvan International Airport, honoring individuals and institutions for their contributions to tourism, a morning rally (Prabhatferi), and a blood donation drive.
The Ministry of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board, and other leading tourism organizations are collaborating to host events across the country. Ram Krishna Lamichhane, the spokesperson for the Ministry, highlighted that the government at all three levels—federal, provincial, and local—along with private-sector tourism professionals, NGOs, and community organizations, have united to make the day a success. The formal ceremony at the National Theatre in Kathmandu will be attended by ministers, diplomats, government officials, and distinguished guests, with Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh presiding over the event.
In a symbolic gesture, foreign tourists arriving on the first flight at Tribhuvan International Airport today will be warmly welcomed. Additionally, a morning rally will take place in Thamel, a prominent tourist area, with participation from the Ministry of Tourism and other key tourism stakeholders.
Coinciding with World Tourism Day, the famous Thamel area will host the ‘Thamel Nakha Festival,’ which aims to revive Thamel’s tourism. The festival, organized by the Thamel Tourism Development Council and The Kathmandu Post, will feature a unique blend of culture, music, art, and cuisine, according to event coordinator Rajiv Pandey. Moreover, the second edition of the ‘Nepal Hospitality Conclave’ commenced on Thursday, organized by the Hotel Association of Nepal to foster the growth of the hospitality sector.
World Tourism Day is celebrated globally on September 27, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) leading the initiative since 1980. The primary objective of this day is to raise awareness of the role tourism plays in the socio-cultural, political, and economic aspects of the global community.
In his message for World Tourism Day, Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey emphasized the importance of establishing Nepal as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. “Nepal is adorned with natural, cultural, and historical treasures. We must promote our rich heritage to the world by integrating culture, nature, and history into tourism activities,” he said. He further added that ensuring a positive and memorable experience for tourists is a shared responsibility.
Minister Pandey outlined the government’s plans to collaborate with the private sector to develop Nepal into a secure and attractive tourist destination. The Ministry has been working to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote eco-friendly and community-based tourism, aiming to increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy. The Minister believes that the World Tourism Day celebrations will help further boost Nepal’s tourism industry.
In celebration of the day, individuals and institutions with outstanding contributions to the tourism sector will be honored across 25 categories, according to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Lamichhane. These include organizations with significant foreign exchange earnings, mountaineers, and key contributors to the tourism sector.
The Ministry has also decided to launch various tourism promotion activities nationwide, ensuring that such efforts continue throughout the year. In alignment with this initiative, the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) recently held a blood donation event. NATTA President Kumar Mani Thapaliya mentioned that other programs will also be organized with the collaboration of tourism-related organizations.
Nepal’s tourism sector is gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, Nepal welcomed around 1.2 million international tourists annually. In the post-pandemic period, Nepal has intensified its efforts to promote tourism globally, boosting international marketing strategies to revitalize the industry.
The government has set a target of attracting 1.6 million foreign tourists in the current fiscal year. Furthermore, Nepal aims to celebrate the decade from 2023 to 2032 as the “Tourism Decade,” to bring in 3.5 million tourists annually. In 2023, Nepal hosted 1,014,882 international tourists, while 720,334 tourists visited the country in the first eight months of 2024, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.
As the peak tourist season has just begun in Nepal, the influx of trekking tourists from various countries is increasing. Vinayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association Nepal, expressed optimism about the role of World Tourism Day in promoting Nepal’s tourism industry. “This day serves as a reminder of the importance of tourism for the country’s economic prosperity. It also encourages the study and exploration of tourism’s potential and future strategies,” Shah said.
Shah also emphasized the need to maximize the opportunities in the tourism sector, stating that Nepal, with its stunning natural diversity, rich cultural heritage, and unique geographical landscape, has immense potential. From scenic landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and lush greenery to rich biodiversity and cultural diversity, millions of foreign tourists visit Nepal every year to enjoy activities like adventure sports, trekking, mountaineering, and religious tourism.
Nepal’s tourism continues to play a crucial role in its economic development, and the 45th World Tourism Day celebration reinforces the country’s commitment to further enhancing its tourism sector.
