The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in collaboration with the PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Airlines Cooperation (NAC), and 14 leading private tourism companies, successfully concluded its participation at the PATA Travel Mart 2025 (PTM 2025), held from August 26–28 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand. The three-day event provided a platform to highlight its diverse tourism offerings to a global audience of industry stakeholders.
PTM 2025: A Global Tourism Gathering
This year’s Mart, organized under the theme “Designing Meaningful Tourism for a Changing World,” welcomed over 1,000 delegates representing more than 50 destinations worldwide. The exhibition featured over 400 exhibitors from 225 organizations across 30 destinations, of which 52% were participating for the first time. The Mart also brought together 225 buyers from 218 organizations across 41 source markets, with 65% attending PTM for the first time, making this edition one of the most dynamic and engaging in recent years.
Engaging Delegation Program
The Nepal delegation actively participated throughout the three-day program, beginning with the PATA Knowledge Forum on August 26. The forum explored the future of sustainable and meaningful tourism, providing valuable insights into global trends and innovations in the travel sector. Later in the evening, delegates attended the Welcome Reception hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, an event that fostered informal networking and relationship-building with industry peers.
On August 27, It’s representatives were present at the PTM 2025 Opening Ceremony and VIP Tour, followed by two structured business sessions. The Nepal Pavilion drew significant attention from buyers and industry leaders, earning visits from Mr. Peter Semone, Chairman of PATA, and Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, who praised NTB’s long-standing collaboration with PATA in advancing regional tourism. Throughout the day, the delegation showcased it’s diverse tourism experiences, from adventure trekking and cultural heritage tours to spiritual journeys and nature-based tourism, culminating with participation in the prestigious PATA Gold Awards Gala Dinner.
Business Opportunities and B2B Engagements
The final day of the Mart, August 28, was marked by two additional rounds of business sessions, during which it’s delegation conducted more than 30 structured B2B appointments. Buyers expressed strong interest in adventure and trekking experiences, heritage and cultural circuits, and Nepal’s growing community-based sustainable tourism products. His Excellency Mr. Dhana Bahadur Oli, Ambassador of Nepal to Thailand, visited the Nepal Pavilion and applauded the joint efforts of NTB, PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Airlines, and private sector participants in positioning Nepal as one of the most welcoming destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Nepal Pavilion: A Hub of Cultural and Adventure Tourism
Prominently located within the exhibition space, the Nepal Pavilion was well received by trade visitors. It showcased the country’s rich tourism diversity, including adventure tourism, cultural heritage, cuisine, and vibrant festivals. A highlight was the Virtual Tour to it’s Spiritual Circuits, which captivated visitors and offered an immersive experience of it’s unique spiritual heritage. The Pavilion not only demonstrated it’s tourism potential but also reflected the country’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Delegation Highlights
NTB’s delegation included Mr. Suman Ghimire (Senior Manager), Ms. Sushila Kumari Baral (Senior Officer), and Ms. Rikhi Maya Rai (Senior Officer). They were accompanied by Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter; Mr. Kailash Karki, Officer of NAC; and representatives from 14 private tourism companies. Together, the delegation worked to actively promote it’s offerings and foster meaningful connections with international buyers and industry stakeholders.
Reflections on Participation
Reflecting on it’s successful participation, Mr. Suman Ghimire, Senior Manager of NTB, said, “It’s participation at PTM 2025 has been both impactful and rewarding, reinforcing our identity as a year-round Himalayan destination. The collective presence of NTB, PATA Nepal Chapter, NAC, and our private sector partners ensured Nepal spoke with one strong and unified voice in the global tourism marketplace.”
NTB emphasized that the visibility, networking opportunities, and business engagements generated through PTM 2025 are aligned with it’s long-term tourism strategy, which aims to foster sustainable growth and enhance visitor experiences. The Board also extended its appreciation to PATA for organizing a highly successful event and reaffirmed its commitment to participate in future editions of the Mart as well as other international tourism forums.
Promoting Nepal as a Leading Destination
Through its active presence at PTM 2025, Nepal successfully highlighted its unique combination of adventure, culture, spirituality, and natural beauty. The event strengthened it’s positioning as a premier travel destination in the Asia-Pacific region, attracting interest from international buyers and travelers. By leveraging such global platforms, NTB continues to create new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and sustainable tourism growth, ensuring that Nepal remains a compelling choice for travelers seeking meaningful and transformative experiences.
