In a landmark move to enhance Nepal’s tourism sector, a high-level Nepalese delegation, led by Mr. Binod Prakash Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), held an exclusive bilateral meeting with UN Tourism officials at the UN Tourism Headquarters in Madrid. The primary objective of this historic meeting was to strengthen Nepal’s collaboration with United Nation Tourism and explore new avenues for technical assistance and joint initiatives to promote sustainable tourism development.
The meeting was marked as a significant diplomatic engagement, as it was the first time a high-ranking Nepalese government official had officially visited the UN Tourism Headquarters. Mr. Harry Huang, Director of the Regional Department for Asia & the Pacific, UN Tourism, warmly welcomed the Nepalese delegation and acknowledged Nepal’s efforts in fostering international tourism partnerships. He reiterated UN Tourism’s commitment to assisting Nepal in its tourism growth and development, emphasizing that Nepal has immense potential to become a leading global tourism destination.
During the meeting, Secretary Mr. Binod Prakash Singh expressed Nepal’s deep appreciation for UN Tourism’s past support, particularly in providing technical assistance for the Nepal Tourism Strategic Plan (2016-2025) and Nepal’s participation in major UN Tourism events, including the upcoming ITB Berlin Ministerial Meeting 2025. He further requested enhanced collaboration in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Innovation, and Sustainable Tourism Development to modernize Nepal’s tourism infrastructure and create a more competitive and eco-friendly industry.
Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, Director General of the Department of Tourism, reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to aligning with UN Tourism’s vision. He highlighted Nepal’s willingness to engage more actively with UN Tourism, seeking technical support in integrating innovative strategies into the country’s national tourism policies. Additionally, he emphasized Nepal’s goal of promoting inclusive tourism that ensures equal distribution of tourism benefits across all sectors, including rural communities and indigenous groups. He further urged UN Tourism to assist Nepal in developing policies that would enhance responsible tourism and economic sustainability.
Officials from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) reiterated their dedication to collaborating under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation to develop joint programs with UN Tourism. They underscored Nepal’s vast potential in adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and rural tourism, seeking collaborative projects that would elevate Nepal’s global standing as a top travel destination. The NTB representatives stressed the importance of creating UN-backed tourism initiatives that would attract a more diverse group of international travelers, boost Nepal’s tourism economy, and foster environmental sustainability.
In response, Mr. Harry Huang reaffirmed UN Tourism’s unwavering support for Nepal’s tourism sector. He invited Nepal to actively participate in upcoming UN Tourism programs and knowledge-sharing platforms that could further contribute to Nepal’s tourism development. Moreover, he encouraged Nepal to submit a formal proposal outlining its key priorities and requirements so that UN Tourism could extend additional support in targeted areas. This proposal, according to Mr. Huang, would be instrumental in channeling UN resources effectively to address Nepal’s specific tourism needs.
The Nepalese delegation included key representatives such as Mr. Khadga Bikram Shah, Senior Manager of the Nepal Tourism Board, and Mr. Kundan Sharma Mishra, Senior Officer of NTB. Also present at the meeting was Mr. Purak Adhikari, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Nepal in Madrid, who played a vital role in facilitating the discussions.
Beyond the formal discussions, the meeting served as an opportunity to highlight Nepal’s strengths and tourism potential to the global community. Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse tourism offerings were brought to the forefront, reinforcing the country’s status as a premier travel destination. The delegation emphasized that with enhanced technical and policy support from UN Tourism, Nepal could unlock new opportunities for tourism growth, ensuring that the industry remains resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.
The meeting concluded on an exceptionally positive note, marking a significant step towards deepening Nepal’s engagement with UN Tourism. The discussions are expected to pave the way for new partnerships, innovative tourism strategies, and enhanced global visibility for Nepal’s tourism sector. Moving forward, Nepal aims to capitalize on the momentum generated from this engagement by actively working with UN Tourism and other international partners to modernize its tourism industry and foster sustainable tourism practices. The collaboration between Nepal and UN Tourism is anticipated to drive substantial growth, making Nepal a more competitive and attractive destination for global travelers in the years to come.
