Strengthening bilateral tourism ties and fostering collaboration between Nepalese and Indian tourism stakeholders, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the NATTA Banke Chapter are set to host the ‘Nepalgunj Cross-Border Tourism Conclave 2025’ this Saturday. The three-day event will provide a platform for dialogue, networking, and promotion of Nepalgunj as a key destination for Indian tourists.
The conclave is expected to attract around 100 tourism representatives, including tour operators, wedding destination planners, and media personnel from various cities of India’s Uttar Pradesh. “This event will help address existing challenges in the tourism sector and create opportunities for mutual growth,” said outgoing NATTA Banke president Shreeram Sigdel, who coordinated the event.
Promoting Nepalgunj as a Key Indian Destination
The main objective of the conclave is to enhance tourism promotion and strengthen cross-border cooperation between Nepal and India. Discussions will focus on border-related issues, tourism connectivity, and strategies to position Nepalgunj as a prime destination for Indian travelers. The conclave will serve as an interactive platform where participants can share experiences, explore opportunities, and understand the potential of cross-border tourism.
“This is a vital opportunity to exchange ideas on improving services, addressing visitor challenges, and making Nepalgunj more accessible and attractive for Indian tourists,” Sigdel explained. By focusing on practical solutions and collaborative initiatives, the event aims to reinforce Nepalgunj’s role as a tourism hub in western Nepal.
Business-to-Business Sessions and Networking Opportunities
As part of the conclave, NATTA has organize B2B sessions where Nepalese tourism professionals, including travel agencies, airlines, and casino operators, will interact directly with Indian counterparts. Over a dozen rooms have been booked for these sessions, providing dedicated spaces for negotiations, partnership discussions, and business development.
According to Sigdel, the B2B sessions are designed to facilitate meaningful exchanges that can lead to long-term collaborations. “Direct engagement between service providers and tour operators will encourage joint packages, cross-promotion, and improved tourism experiences,” he noted.
Diverse Tourism Experiences on Offer
The three-day program is packed with a variety of activities to highlight the tourism potential of Nepalgunj and the surrounding region. Participants will take part in:
- Bagheswari Darshan, showcasing local religious and cultural heritage.
- Cross-Border Tourism Dialogue, focusing on collaboration and policy-level discussions.
- Property Visits, highlighting potential investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure.
- Casino Visits, promoting entertainment tourism.
- Nepali Cultural Programs, allowing Indian participants to experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
- Jungle Safari at Banke National Park, emphasizing eco-tourism and wildlife experiences.
These activities are designed to provide both Indian visitors and Nepalese tourism operators with firsthand knowledge of the region’s offerings, highlighting the potential for both leisure and business travel.
Enhancing Bilateral Tourism Ties
By bringing together stakeholders from both countries, the conclave seeks to create a framework for long-term collaboration. It is expected to encourage investment, joint tourism packages, and increased footfall from India, Nepal’s largest source market.
Sigdel emphasized, “Events like this are crucial for sustaining the tourism sector. They help us address operational challenges, identify market opportunities, and ensure that Nepalgunj becomes a preferred destination for Indian tourists.”
The conclave also reflects a broader vision of promoting western Nepal as a hub for cross-border tourism, leveraging its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and strategic location near the India-Nepal border. By combining dialogue, B2B interactions, and experiential tours, the conclave aims to leave a lasting impact on tourism development in the region.
For the first time, Nepalgunj is set to become a focal point for structured tourism diplomacy with India, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, business collaboration, and eco-tourism experiences. The conclave’s organizers believe that initiatives like this will not only boost visitor numbers but also strengthen Nepal’s image as a diverse, accessible, and visitor-friendly destination.
