Nepal has promoted its diverse tourism offerings, including wellness, adventure, cultural and sustainable tourism, at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, strengthening its presence in the international tourism market. The three-day event, held from November 3 to 5 at the ExCeL London exhibition centre in the United Kingdom, provided with an international platform to showcase its tourism potential and expand business connections with global travel industry stakeholders.
A Nepali delegation led by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel (Ganes) participated in the event alongside the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and 32 private-sector companies associated with the tourism industry. Nepal’s participation focused on promoting the country’s diverse tourism products, strengthening international business relationships and attracting more visitors from global source markets.
A major highlight of Nepal’s participation was the promotion of Nepal Wellness Tourism Year 2027, with an emphasis on introducing the country’s yoga, meditation, spiritual rejuvenation and holistic wellness experiences to international travellers. The initiative also aimed to broaden Nepal’s tourism image beyond its traditional identity as a destination for Himalayan trekking and mountaineering.
Nepal Showcases Diverse Tourism Experiences and Wellness Tourism
At WTM London 2026, the delegation presented a wide range of tourism experiences, highlighting the country’s potential in mountain adventures, wellness, cultural heritage, nature-based tourism and community-based travel. Alongside mountaineering and trekking, its tourism offerings included high-altitude marathons, mountain biking, rafting, wildlife observation, cultural heritage experiences, community tourism and spiritual journeys.
Through these diverse tourism products, the country aimed to position itself as a destination offering meaningful, responsible and sustainable travel experiences. The presentation highlighted its natural landscapes, rich cultural traditions and opportunities for interaction with local communities, encouraging international travellers to explore lesser-known destinations and experiences beyond the established trekking routes.
The promotion of wellness tourism received particular attention in preparation for Nepal Wellness Tourism Year 2027. By highlighting yoga, meditation, spiritual experiences and holistic well-being, Nepal sought to attract travellers interested in health-focused holidays and rejuvenating travel experiences.
Nepal Pavilion Inaugurated as Minister Holds High-Level Tourism Meetings
Nepal’s delegation included Shankar Bahadur KC, member of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Executive Committee and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. The Nepal Pavilion was inaugurated by Minister Paudel in the presence of Member of the House of Representatives Manish Jha, formally marking Nepal’s participation in the international tourism marketplace.
During WTM London, Minister Paudel also held high-level meetings and interactions with India’s Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Indian Rajya Sabha member, renowned author and social worker Sudha Murty, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation, expanding air connectivity, promoting cultural exchanges, exploring investment opportunities in the tourism sector and developing broader international partnerships. These engagements provided an opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest and strengthen Nepal’s tourism relationships with key international markets.
Nepal Highlights Climate Risks and Tourism Resilience at Ministerial Conference
Alongside WTM London, Minister Paudel participated in the 20th Ministerial Conference jointly organised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and UN Tourism. Held under the theme “Strengthening Tourism for a Resilient and Regenerative Future,” the conference brought together global tourism leaders to discuss tourism resilience, sustainable investment and stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector.
Addressing the conference, Minister Paudel highlighted the growing risks that climate change poses to Himalayan destinations and mountain tourism. He cited the recent Bhotekoshi flash flood, which caused loss of life and damaged tourism infrastructure and property, as an example of the increasing climate-related challenges affecting mountain destinations. He stressed the importance of strengthening tourism resilience and protecting vulnerable destinations from climate-induced disasters to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector.
Minister Paudel stressed the importance of effective coordination among local communities, governments and institutional bodies to protect tourism destinations from natural disasters and climate-related risks. He also emphasised community empowerment, effective government policies and institutional cooperation as key factors in promoting sustainable and resilient tourism development. The conference provided an international platform to highlight the vulnerability of Himalayan and other mountain destinations to climate-related challenges, while underscoring the need for stronger disaster preparedness, resilient tourism infrastructure and long-term strategies to safeguard tourism-dependent communities.
Nepal Highlights Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Achievements
Wildlife conservation was also highlighted as an important pillar of the country’s sustainable tourism promotion at WTM London 2026. The delegation presented conservation achievements made through collaboration among local communities, conservation partner organisations and national parks to international tourism businesses and industry representatives. The presentation demonstrated how community participation and partnerships have supported biodiversity protection while enhancing the potential for nature-based tourism.
Wildlife conservation remains an integral part of the country’s tourism identity, offering international visitors opportunities to explore its rich natural heritage and diverse wildlife. By highlighting these efforts, the delegation aimed to demonstrate how conservation and responsible tourism can work together to support sustainable destination development.
Through its participation at WTM London 2026, Nepal aimed to strengthen its international tourism presence, expand business partnerships and promote a broader range of tourism experiences. With wellness tourism, adventure activities, cultural heritage, wildlife conservation and sustainable destination development receiving attention, Nepal’s participation also served as an opportunity to prepare international markets for Nepal Wellness Tourism Year 2027.
