Nepal marked the 45th World Tourism Day today with a series of events organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, the Department of Tourism, and other prominent organizations in the tourism sector.
This year’s celebration, held under the global theme “Promoting Accessible Tourism for All” and the local theme “Tourism and Peace,” was spearheaded by the World Tourism Day Main Celebration Committee, chaired by Minister of Tourism Badri Prasad Pandey. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of accessible tourism and its role in fostering peace and inclusivity.
As part of the festivities, foreign tourists arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport were greeted with special welcomes, showcasing Nepal’s hospitality. Additionally, individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting tourism in Nepal were honored in a special ceremony.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Ramkrishna Lamichhane, highlighted the collaborative efforts across the government, private sector, and various community-based organizations (CBOs) and NGOs in organizing the day’s events. He emphasized the importance of recognizing those who have worked tirelessly to support the nation’s tourism industry.
In a message of best wishes, Minister Pandey expressed his vision for positioning Nepal as a leading global tourism destination. “Nepal is adorned with natural, cultural, and historical treasures. By integrating these assets with tourism activities, we can establish Nepal as the best tourist destination in the world,” he stated.
Minister Pandey also called on stakeholders to work together to harness the full potential of Nepal’s rich heritage to boost tourism and promote the country on the world stage.
Nepal’s tourism industry, which was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a robust recovery. In 2023, the country welcomed more than one million tourists, and the number of visitors in the first eight months of 2024 has already surpassed 800,000. The peak tourism season from September to November is expected to attract even more tourists, exceeding previous records.
The Hotel Association of Nepal echoed the optimism, with its President Binayak Shah expressing confidence that World Tourism Day will inspire the tourism community to focus on driving economic prosperity through tourism. “We must take full advantage of our tourism potential to bring economic growth to the country,” Shah stated.
World Tourism Day continues to serve as a reminder of the significant role tourism plays in fostering cultural exchange, economic growth, and peace, with Nepal standing at the forefront as one of the world’s most desirable destinations.
