The South Asian Women’s Conference on Rural Tourism was attended by the Nepal Tourism Board. “Economic Empowerment in Rural South Asia: Sustainable Pathways” was the theme of the conference.
The Trans-Himalayan Environment and Livelihood Program Nepal (T-HELP), the Tarayana Foundation, the South Asia Women’s Network (SWAN), and the International Development Institute (IDI) organized the South Asian Women’s Conference in Thimphu, Bhutan, from May 8–10, 2025.
Inspiring female leaders, professionals, and practitioners from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka convened at this historic conference to discuss women’s empowerment, cross-border collaboration, and the prospects for sustainable rural tourism.
Six lively panel discussions, six breakout sessions, and a special field trip to Punakha, where attendees experienced a homestay run by local women entrepreneurs, were all part of the three-day conference.
In order to provide rural women with sustainable economic opportunities through tourism while encouraging environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, the Conference’s immersive sessions focused on success stories, obstacles, and future tactics. Nepal’s accomplishments in community-based tourism, especially those spearheaded by women, were emphasized by NTB during the conference.
It also highlighted its initiatives to help Nepali women entrepreneurs reach their target audiences and establish connections with local and international travel markets. Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk honored the late Ambica Shrestha for her contributions to the conference on this special occasion.
