Nepal is hosting the 3rd Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators (BNTO) in Kathmandu from February 6-7, 2025, bringing together tourism organizations, industry professionals, and private stakeholders from the BIMSTEC member countries, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal.
The meeting aims to foster greater regional cooperation and collaboration in the tourism sector, highlighting the importance of cross-border tourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices within the BIMSTEC region.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. Binod Prakash Singh, the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), and Mr. Si Thu Aung, the Director of BIMSTEC. The inauguration ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including tourism industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from regional tourism bodies.
The gathering provides a platform for countries within the BIMSTEC region to explore ways of working together to create a more robust tourism network and to enhance the tourism infrastructure and offerings within the region. In his address, Secretary Binod Prakash Singh emphasized Nepal’s strong commitment to regional tourism collaboration. He noted that Nepal’s rich natural and cultural heritage, coupled with its tourism infrastructure, positions the country as an ideal destination for both regional and international tourists.
He pointed out that Nepal has long been a bridge between cultures and regions, with its mountains, history, and traditions making it a key player in the tourism sector in South Asia. According to Singh, BIMSTEC offers a unique opportunity to enhance cross-border tourism, allowing member countries to share and preserve their cultural and natural assets in a way that benefits the entire region.
“Tourism is a sector that can connect people beyond borders,” said Secretary Singh. “As a country, we are committed to preserving and sharing our heritage, while promoting sustainable tourism that benefits our communities and the region as a whole.”
Mr. Si Thu Aung, the Director of BIMSTEC, echoed Singh’s sentiment and spoke about the potential of collaboration within the BIMSTEC region. Aung highlighted the importance of tourism as a vital economic sector for the region, stressing the role it plays in driving employment, increasing revenue, and fostering stronger people-to-people relations between the countries.
He pointed out that regional cooperation within BIMSTEC could unlock vast untapped potential and create long-term partnerships that contribute to not just economic growth, but also to cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
“Tourism is a vital economic sector for our region,” said Aung. “Collaboration and sharing our resources will not only harness the untapped potential of the region but will also help create synergies, foster cultural exchanges, and build long-lasting partnerships. This meeting is a significant step towards achieving those goals.”
Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), expressed his enthusiasm for the event and emphasized Nepal’s pivotal role in facilitating regional tourism. He highlighted the diversity and richness of the region’s culture and heritage, noting that Nepal’s role in promoting tourism within the BIMSTEC region goes beyond just attracting visitors to the country.
“Nepal plays a vital role in regional tourism, not only by sharing its unique heritage but also by being a catalyst for regional partnerships and strategic developments that benefit everyone involved,” said Joshi.
The primary focus of the 3rd BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators meeting is on the operationalization of the BIMSTEC Buddhist and Cruise Circuits. These specialized circuits are expected to boost tourism, especially religious and cultural tourism, by connecting key sites across the region.
The meeting also aims to address destination management strategies, including the promotion of joint marketing efforts, exchange programs, and visa facilitation. These initiatives are seen as essential in creating smoother travel experiences for tourists and making it easier for people from BIMSTEC member countries to visit each other’s destinations.
Additionally, there is a significant focus on organizing the BIMSTEC Travel and Tourism Mart annually, which will serve as a platform to showcase the tourism offerings of the member countries and promote greater collaboration. This would allow countries to highlight their unique attractions, tourism packages, and services, thereby boosting regional tourism and fostering better economic ties within BIMSTEC.
The meeting is also expected to provide the foundation for enhancing cross-border travel. Special emphasis is being placed on improving tourism infrastructure, connectivity, and visa processes to make travel easier and more accessible for tourists. Discussions will explore how each country can work together to remove barriers to travel and promote seamless tourism experiences across the region.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute significantly to sustainable tourism growth, with a focus on environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive travel experiences. By strengthening public-private partnerships and tourism management systems, the BIMSTEC region aims to create an inclusive and thriving tourism sector that benefits local communities while preserving the environment and cultural heritage.
Also present during the event were the Vice Chair and members of the NTB Executive Committee, as well as heads of various tourism associations. Their participation underscores the commitment of both government and private sectors to ensuring the success of the meeting and the future of regional tourism development.
With tourism being one of the key sectors in the BIMSTEC region’s economic development, this meeting marks a significant step towards building stronger ties and creating a unified regional tourism strategy that will benefit all member countries.
