The Nepal–India Cross-Border Tourism Connect 2026 is scheduled to take place from October 25 to 28, 2026, with the primary objectives of promoting Nepal’s tourism in the Indian market, strengthening collaboration among tourism businesses, and increasing tourist arrivals. Jointly organized by the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council (NRNA ICC) and the Samriddha Chitwan Abhiyan, the event is guided by the slogan “Connecting Borders, Building Friendships, Growing Tourism.”
A 24-member delegation comprising prominent tourism entrepreneurs and media representatives from key Indian regions, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, will participate in the programme to explore Nepal’s tourism potential, hospitality services, and business opportunities.
Broad Institutional Coordination and Support
The event is being organized in collaboration with major national and regional tourism organizations, including the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), PATA Nepal Chapter, Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Nawalpur Paryatan Samiti, Travel Trade Welfare Association of India, and Indo-Nepal Tourism Welfare Society.
The initiative has also received support from Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Kapilvastu Municipality, Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality, Tilottama Municipality, Devdaha Municipality, and Ramgram Municipality, alongside local hotels, resorts, tourism entrepreneurs, and tourism trade associations.
Comprehensive Business Itinerary and B2B Meetings
To establish direct commercial partnerships between Nepalese and Indian tourism businesses, the programme includes structured business-to-business (B2B) meetings, tourism product presentations, familiarization (FAM) visits, and networking sessions.
The programme will begin on October 25 with a B2B meeting at Tharu Gaun Resort in Danda, Nawalpur. On October 26, activities will include morning sessions at ILA Hotels and Resorts in Maulakali, Gaindakot, afternoon meetings at Banbaas Resort in Sauraha, Chitwan, and evening networking at Miraya in Danda, Nawalpur.
On October 27, the delegation will participate in activities at Solti Westend, Pataiyani, followed by further tourism experiences and networking in Chitwan. The programme will continue at Latauli Century in Shaktikhor, Chitwan, with concluding business discussions and a farewell programme on the morning of October 28.
These activities are expected to create opportunities for tourism entrepreneurs from both countries to establish business connections, exchange market knowledge, develop joint tourism packages, and strengthen long-term commercial cooperation.
Integrated Promotion of Heritage, Nature, and Adventure Tourism
The initiative aims to connect Nepal’s historical, religious, cultural, and natural attractions, including Lumbini, ancient Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot, Devdaha, and Ramgram Stupa, with leading tourism destinations such as Sauraha, the Narayani River region, Pokhara, and Kathmandu.
By developing integrated multi-day tourism packages combining spiritual and pilgrimage tourism, wildlife experiences, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure, the organizers aim to encourage Indian visitors to stay longer in Nepal. The initiative also seeks to increase local business revenue, expand employment opportunities, and promote sustainable tourism development across participating destinations.
The programme will emphasize coordinated destination marketing, stronger connections between tourism businesses, and the development of attractive travel packages tailored to the Indian market. Direct engagement with Indian travel and tour operators is expected to help Nepalese tourism businesses better understand market demand and create new opportunities for tourism promotion and investment.
Leadership Perspective on Long-Term Cooperation
Som Nath Sapkota, Spokesperson of NRNA ICC and Chair of the NRNA ICC Tourism Promotion Committee, emphasized that establishing direct partnerships between Nepalese and Indian tourism operators, developing integrated tourism packages, and encouraging active private-sector participation are essential to expanding Nepal’s presence in the Indian tourism market.
He highlighted the importance of moving beyond short-term promotional activities towards sustainable business relationships and long-term cross-border cooperation. According to Sapkota, the initiative is intended to connect tourism entrepreneurs directly, showcase Nepal’s diverse tourism products, and turn promotional opportunities into practical business partnerships that benefit destinations and communities in both countries.
He further stressed that coordinated efforts among tourism organizations, local governments, hospitality providers, travel trade representatives, and the private sector can strengthen Nepal’s tourism brand in India and contribute to increased tourist arrivals.
Local Coordination and Hospitality Support
The programme is supported by tourism entrepreneurs, hospitality providers, and local coordinators whose contributions are helping bring the initiative together.
Key contributors include Tara Nath Paudel, Coordinator of Samriddha Chitwan Abhiyan; Bimal Paudel, General Manager of Latauli Sanctuary, Shaktikhor; Phens Kumar Mahato, Director of Tharu Gaun Resort, Danda; Nawalpur Paryatan Samiti; Pradip Neupane, General Manager of Ila Comfort, Harkapur; Choplal Pandey, General Manager of Solti Westend, Pataiyani; Krishna Neupane, CEO of Siddhartha Hospitality Group; Basu Dhungana, Director of Banbaas Resort, Sauraha; Bodharaj Lamsal, CEO of Landmark, Sauraha; Prakiran Shrestha, Managing Director of Machan Amaltari; and Charmaine, RM) of Miraya Wellness and UCV.
Their involvement reflects the importance of cooperation between local tourism stakeholders, hospitality businesses, and national and international tourism networks in promoting Nepal as a competitive and attractive destination.
Strengthening Nepal–India Tourism Relations
The Nepal–India Cross-Border Tourism Connect 2026 represents a collaborative effort to strengthen tourism relations between the two neighbouring countries through business partnerships, destination promotion, and the development of integrated tourism products.
By bringing Indian travel trade representatives directly into contact with Nepalese tourism entrepreneurs and destination stakeholders, the initiative aims to build lasting commercial relationships, increase awareness of Nepal’s tourism potential, and create new opportunities for mutual growth.
Through the collective efforts of NRNA ICC, Samriddha Chitwan Abhiyan, participating municipalities, tourism organizations, and private-sector partners, the programme seeks to establish a practical foundation for sustained cross-border tourism cooperation.
