Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in Bangladesh, has extended a heartfelt invitation to Bangladeshi tourists, encouraging them to visit Nepal and return home with unforgettable memories. The message was conveyed during the “Nepal-Bangladesh Tourism Meet” held recently in Dhaka.
Nepal-Bangladesh Tourism Meet: A Collaborative Initiative
The tourism meet was jointly organized to enhance people-to-people connections and promote mutual tourism cooperation between the two nations. Speaking at the event, Rohini Prasad Khanal, Acting Director of NTB, emphasized the diversity and depth of Nepal’s tourism offerings, inviting Bangladeshi nationals to experience Nepal, connect with its spirit, and carry lifelong impressions.
Addressing a broad audience of Bangladeshi tourism stakeholders, media representatives, and government officials, Khanal highlighted a wide range of tourism products. From trekking and mountaineering to paragliding, bungee jumping, wellness retreats, spiritual journeys, and emerging trends like medical tourism, he presented Nepal as a dynamic and inclusive destination for various travel interests.
“Neighboring Nepal: Land of Lifetime Experiences”
Themed “Neighboring Nepal: Land of Lifetime Experiences,” the event served as a platform to foster deeper tourism and cultural ties between the neighboring countries. Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Ghanshyam Bhandari, described Nepal as an increasingly appealing destination for Bangladeshi travelers.
“Nepal offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure, accompanied by the warm hospitality that sets it apart as a perfect travel destination,” Ambassador Bhandari remarked. He further stated that such tourism engagement reflects the broader friendship between Nepal and Bangladesh and highlighted tourism as a people-centric bridge between the two nations.
He also called for enhanced B2B (business-to-business) engagement between the tourism sectors of both countries, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in shaping future tourism growth.
Joint Tourism Packages and Regional Cooperation
AKM Moniruzzaman, Joint Secretary at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, echoed the sentiments of deepening ties and emphasized the potential of co-developed regional tourism packages. He stated that Nepal and Bangladesh could be promoted as complementary destinations, offering tourists a multidimensional experience in the South Asian region. He highlighted the need for innovative travel packages that allow tourists to explore multiple attractions across both countries through streamlined and accessible routes.
Strong Commitment from Nepal
In her welcome speech, Lalita Silwal, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka, expressed Nepal’s strong commitment to strengthening tourism collaboration. She expressed confidence that events like these would serve as concrete steps toward long-term partnerships in tourism development. “These efforts are not just promotional but symbolic of the enduring ties and mutual appreciation between our peoples,” she said.
Bangladeshi Climber Shares Inspiring Journey to Everest
A special highlight of the event was an inspiring talk by Bangladeshi mountaineer Iqmarul Hasan Shakil, who recently completed the 1,372-kilometer “Sea to Summit” journey and successfully summited Mt. Everest on May 19, 2025. His personal account of the journey stirred the audience, reinforcing the spiritual and physical magnitude of Nepal’s Himalayan landscape. Shakil’s tale served as a powerful example of what Bangladeshis can achieve in Nepal, resonating with adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Industry Voices Call for Closer Cooperation
Abdus Salam Aref, President of the Bangladesh Travel Agents Association, and Mohiuddin Helal, Chairperson of the Asian Tourism Fair, also addressed the gathering. They stressed the importance of improving cross-border connectivity, simplifying visa processes, and building stronger networks between travel operators from both sides. They encouraged both governments to facilitate easier travel and promote shared tourism goals through policy support and joint marketing efforts.
Cultural Performances and Attractive Travel Offers
The tourism meet was enriched by a vibrant Nepali cultural performance that showcased the rich traditions of the Himalayan nation. Participants were treated to folk music and dances, providing a glimpse into Nepal’s cultural tapestry.
Adding to the excitement, a raffle draw was held, where lucky winners received round-trip Dhaka-Kathmandu flight tickets sponsored by Himalaya Airlines and Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Nepalese travel agencies also sponsored special travel packages with exclusive discounts, further enticing Bangladeshi tourists to explore Nepal.
B2B Session and Networking Opportunities
Ahead of the main event, a Business-to-Business (B2B) networking session was organized between tour operators and travel companies from both countries. This session enabled direct discussions on possible collaborations, package development, and exchange of travel insights.
A 13-member Nepali delegation representing tourism companies and officials from the Nepal Tourism Board took part in the Dhaka visit, aiming to deepen partnerships and explore collaborative market strategies.
A Strong Step Toward Cross-Border Tourism Promotion
This initiative marks a significant step in Nepal’s efforts to attract regional tourists and diversify its tourism portfolio beyond traditional markets. With Bangladesh emerging as a key source country, such promotional activities are expected to yield long-term benefits.
The Nepal Tourism Board’s message to Bangladeshi travelers is clear: Come to Nepal, experience a destination that touches the soul, and return with stories to cherish for a lifetime. As Nepal seeks to rebuild and grow its tourism sector in the post-pandemic era, targeted collaborations like these are paving the way for sustained regional engagement and shared prosperity through tourism.
