The Nepal Tourism Promotion Program and Sales Mission, themed ‘Next Door Nepal: Your Ultimate Travel Destination,’ concluded successfully in Dhaka, Bangladesh, featuring productive B2B meetings between Nepali hoteliers and Bangladeshi tour operators. The event was organized by the Nepal Tourism Board in collaboration with the Nepal Embassy in Dhaka and the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), with active participation from Nepali hoteliers.
The primary objective of the program was to establish a platform for business-to-business dealings and to educate Bangladeshi tour operators and media about Nepal’s tourism products, attractions, and offerings. During the event, networking sessions among hotel, travel, and tour entrepreneurs from both countries were held, fostering greater collaboration.
Ambassador Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari emphasized the strong neighborly relations between Nepal and Bangladesh, reinforced by tourism and people-to-people connections. Highlighting tourism as a priority sector for the Government of Nepal, he expressed optimism that the B2B engagements would bring the two nations closer together.
Mr. Laxman Gautam, Officiating Director of the Tourism Marketing and Promotion Department of the Nepal Tourism Board, delivered a presentation showcasing Nepal’s major tourist products. He highlighted Bangladesh as a key tourist source market for Nepal and encouraged participating travel agents and tour operators to promote Nepal among Bangladeshi travelers.
HAN President Mr. Binayak Shah praised the vibrant and welcoming spirit of Nepal and acknowledged the role of B2B engagements in enhancing tourism exchanges between the two countries. HAN CEO Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat provided insights into the profiles of the participating hotels.
Deputy Director of Bangladesh Tourism Board, Mr. Mohammed Saiful Hassan, stressed the importance of improved connectivity to foster stronger people-to-people contacts.
The event also honored Bangladeshi Mount Everest summiteers Ms. Nishat Mazumder and Mr. Babar Ali, who shared their experiences of scaling the world’s highest peak.
HAN signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various Bangladeshi associations, including the Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA), Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), Bangladesh Outbound Tour Operators Association (BOTOA), and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skills Council (T&HISC). Additionally, an MoU was signed with the Asian Tourism Fair.
Cultural performances showcasing Nepali folk traditions added a vibrant touch to the event, which was attended by over 150 participants, including government officials, representatives from travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, airlines, and other hospitality and tourism-related organizations from Bangladesh.
The visiting Nepali delegation comprised 21 members, including officials from the Nepal Tourism Board, HAN, and representatives from the following 13 hotels:
- Airport Hotel, Kathmandu
- Barahi Jungle Lodge, Meghauli, Chitwan
- Chandragiri Hills, Kathmandu
- Dhulikhel Lodge Resort, Dhulikhel, Kavre
- Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, Dhulikhel, Kavre
- Hotel Seven Star, Sauraha, Chitwan
- Hotel Yambu, Thamel, Kathmandu
- Lemon Tree Premier, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
- Hotel Pokhara Village and Spa
- Siddhartha Business Group of Hospitality
- Village Highland Resort, Ranikot, Bhaktapur
- Hotel Welcome, Janakpur
- Hotel Gantabya Inn, Pokhara
The successful conclusion of the event marks a significant step towards strengthening tourism ties between Nepal and Bangladesh, promising increased collaboration and mutual growth in the tourism sector.
