In a grand event held at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal Tourism Year 2025 and the Chinese New Year 2025 celebrations were officially launched yesterday. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, the Chinese Embassy, Bhaktapur Municipality, and the Nepal Tourism Board.
The inauguration was officiated by Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song.
Speaking at the event, Minister Khadka highlighted Nepal as a premier international tourist destination and emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering economic, social, and political ties with China. “Post-COVID, Nepal’s tourism sector is steadily regaining momentum, and this tourism year will further promote collaboration between Nepal and China in tourism, energy, and agriculture,” he remarked.
The minister also underscored ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure to support tourism. These include the operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport, alongside the expansion and modernization of Tribhuvan International Airport and other domestic airports.
Chinese Ambassador Chen Song echoed similar sentiments, stating that Nepal Tourism Year 2025 will further solidify the bond between the two nations. He emphasized the rapid progress in mutual cooperation across sectors such as youth, education, culture, and tourism. “We will encourage Chinese tourists to visit Nepal and organize promotional activities to highlight Nepal’s tourism potential in China,” the ambassador assured.
Bhaktapur Municipality Mayor Sunil Prajapati recalled the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and China in 1955. He highlighted Bhaktapur’s appeal as a top destination for Chinese tourists, who constitute the second-largest group of international visitors to the city. Prajapati stressed the importance of collaboration for effective promotion of Nepal’s tourism, given its rich natural beauty and heritage sites such as the Himalayas, Lumbini, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Executive Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Deepak Raj Joshi, called for collective efforts to ensure the success of Nepal Tourism Year 2025, emphasizing its potential to attract more international visitors.
The event featured cultural songs and dances reflecting Nepali and Chinese traditions, followed by a vibrant cultural rally from the Durbar Square to Taumadhi Square. The collaboration highlights the shared heritage and mutual respect between the two countries, aiming to make Nepal a focal point for global tourism in 2025.
With its unparalleled natural beauty, including the Himalayas, Chitwan National Park, and culturally significant sites like Kathmandu, Janakpur, and Lumbini, Nepal remains a top choice for global travelers. The initiatives under Nepal Tourism Year 2025 are expected to boost the tourism sector, strengthening Nepal’s economy and bilateral relations with China.
