Nepal showcased its tourism offerings and readiness to welcome international travelers at the 12th Asian Travel Mart, held from September 18 to 20, 2025, at the Convention City Basundhara in Dhaka. The event saw Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) communicate a strong message: Nepal is fully prepared to receive tourists safely and warmly.
This year’s participation marked it’s first major international tourism engagement following the recent challenges posed by the Gen-Z Movement, reflecting that the country has returned to normalcy and is fully capable of hosting visitors from around the world.
Strong Diplomatic and Industry Presence
The opening session of the event featured remarks from Ghanashyam Bhandari, Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, who emphasized the resilience and recovery capacity of it’s tourism industry. He highlighted that despite recent challenges, It can swiftly rebound and continue to attract global travelers. Bhandari also underlined efforts to strengthen tourism collaboration and people-to-people relations with Bangladesh.
The pavilion attracted significant visitor attention, with numerous participants exploring the country’s travel offerings. Nepalese tourism companies present at the event used the platform to identify new opportunities, renew existing relationships, and showcase their tour packages and services to potential partners and travelers.
Visitor Response and Reassurance
Many Bangladeshi visitors expressed curiosity about it’s current situation following the Gen-Z Movement. Observing the country’s swift return to stability, they expressed satisfaction and reassurance. Comparisons with past political events in Bangladesh highlighted that plans to visit Nepal remained unaffected, reflecting the positive perception of the country as a safe and welcoming destination.
The event provided an opportunity to rebuild confidence among international tourists and travel operators, reinforcing it’s reputation as a reliable and secure tourism hub in the region.
Bangladesh: A Growing Market for Nepal
Bangladesh is emerging as a rapidly growing source market for Nepalese tourism. In 2024, It welcomed approximately 49,000 Bangladeshi tourists, and in the first eight months of 2025, the number had already risen by nearly 32 percent. Factors such as geographic proximity, cultural similarities, and growing economic capacity in Bangladesh make it a promising and strategic market for it’s tourism sector.
Tourism experts note that targeted promotional activities and participation in international travel marts can further strengthen inbound tourism from Bangladesh, enhancing mutual economic and cultural benefits.
Nepal’s Participation in the Travel Mart
This year’s Asian Travel Mart saw participation from 150 institutions representing eight countries, presenting tourism-related services and packages through 180 stalls. it’s presence was marked by both government and private sector representation.
The NTB was joined by ten private tourism companies, including:
- Himalayan Club Tours & Travel
- Nepal Big Mountain Travel Company
- The Trek Nepal
- Go Nepal Travel Tours & Trekking
- Snowy Horizon Treks & Expedition
- Classical Adventure Nepal
- Himalgari Travel & Tours
- Female Guide Kathmandu
- Kathmandu Sweet Home
- Regulus Treks & Expedition
These companies showcased a diverse range of offerings, from trekking and adventure tourism to cultural experiences and family-friendly travel packages, reflecting the breadth and depth of it’s tourism sector.
Message of Safety and Hospitality
According to the NTB, participation in the Dhaka event successfully conveyed that Nepal is a safe and hospitable destination for travelers. The exhibition emphasized the country’s ability to handle international tourism professionally, ensuring visitor safety and a welcoming environment.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen tourism ties with Bangladesh, encourage repeat visits, and attract new travelers from the region, enhancing cross-border tourism collaboration.
Looking Forward
It’s participation in the 12th Asian Travel Mart highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and expand its international tourism presence. By showcasing its attractions, safety measures, and hospitality services, it aims to reaffirm its position as a premier travel destination in South Asia.
The event also provided valuable networking opportunities for Nepalese tourism companies to explore collaborations, partnerships, and new business prospects, paving the way for sustainable growth and increased tourist arrivals in the coming years.
The successful representation of Nepal at the Asian Travel Mart in Dhaka sends a clear message: Nepal is ready to welcome tourists with safety, warmth, and professionalism. With growing interest from Bangladesh and other regional markets, the country is poised to strengthen tourism relations and boost international arrivals, signaling a bright future for it’s travel and hospitality sector.
