Nepal has significantly reinforced its presence in Japan’s tourism market with the successful completion of the Nepal Tourism Promotion and B2B Exchange Program 2026, held in two phases in Tokyo and Osaka. The initiative marks a major step forward in strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation and expanding Nepal’s outreach among Japanese travelers.
Two-City Program Draws Strong Participation
The first phase of the program was organized on April 2, 2026, at the Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo, followed by the second phase on April 5, 2026, at the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka. Together, the events brought strong engagement, with around 90 participants in Tokyo and more than 60 participants in Osaka, including travel professionals, tour operators, and media representatives.
A 23-member delegation from Nepal, representing 12 leading tourism and hospitality companies, actively participated in the program, showcasing Nepal’s tourism potential to a highly influential Japanese audience.
Collaborative Effort to Boost Tourism
The program was jointly organized by the PATA Nepal Chapter and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in collaboration with Nepal Airlines Corporation, PATA Japan Chapter, and PATA Chinese Taipei Chapter. Notably, the initiative coincided with the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan, adding greater significance to the event. This multi-stakeholder collaboration demonstrated a unified effort to promote Nepal as a preferred destination while fostering stronger partnerships between the tourism industries of both countries.
Showcasing Nepal’s Diverse Tourism Offerings
Throughout the program, Nepal presented a wide array of tourism products, highlighting its strength as a destination offering adventure, nature, culture, spirituality, and luxury experiences. A key highlight was the Destination Nepal presentation by NTB, which emphasized Nepal’s unique positioning as a country offering authentic and diverse travel experiences.
Additional presentations on the upcoming 6th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2026) and updates from Nepal Airlines Corporation on improved connectivity further strengthened Nepal’s tourism appeal. The inclusion of cultural showcases added vibrancy to the program, providing participants with deeper insights into Nepal’s rich heritage and traditions.
Strong Interest from the Japanese Travel Industry
The events witnessed notable participation from Japan’s travel trade sector, reflecting growing interest in Nepal as a travel destination. Major organizations such as JTB and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), along with prominent tour operators and travel professionals, took part in the program. Their presence highlighted Nepal’s increasing relevance in the Japanese outbound tourism market and opened new opportunities for collaboration and business development.
B2B Sessions Foster Partnerships
The B2B exchange sessions held in both Tokyo and Osaka served as the core component of the program. These sessions created a dynamic platform for direct interaction between Nepalese tourism operators and buyers from Japan and Chinese Taipei.
Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, explored potential partnerships, and identified new avenues for collaboration aimed at increasing tourist arrivals to Nepal. The sessions were instrumental in building trust, strengthening business networks, and promoting long-term cooperation.
Leaders Emphasize Growing Collaboration
Speaking at the event, Mr. Narendra Bhatta, General Secretary of PATA Nepal Chapter and Executive Committee Member of NTB, emphasized the importance of Japan as a key source market for Nepal. He stated that such initiatives play a crucial role in building trust, strengthening partnerships, and creating sustainable business linkages.
Similarly, Mr. Tony Ishida, Chairman of the PATA Japan Chapter, expressed his enthusiasm in hosting the Nepalese delegation and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to further enhance tourism ties between the two nations.
Mr. Ben Liao, Chairperson of the PATA Chinese Taipei Chapter, also welcomed the tri-chapter collaboration, describing it as a promising beginning and extending an invitation to Nepalese and Japanese delegates to visit Taiwan in the near future.
Strengthening Future Tourism Prospects
Both events concluded with networking sessions that fostered stronger professional relationships and enhanced people-to-people connections. These interactions are expected to play a vital role in sustaining long-term partnerships and boosting tourism exchanges.
The successful completion of the Nepal Tourism Promotion and B2B Exchange Program 2026 underscores Nepal’s growing appeal in the Japanese market. It also highlights the strengthening partnership between the tourism industries of Nepal and Japan, paving the way for increased tourist arrivals and deeper collaboration in the years ahead.
