To position Nepal as a global destination through cinematic storytelling, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Film Development Board (FDB) have signed a four-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting tourism through films and audio-visual media. The agreement underscores Nepal’s growing recognition of film tourism as a powerful tool for international branding, destination marketing, and cultural diplomacy.
The MoU outlines key collaborative initiatives, including Nepal’s official participation in the Cannes Film Festival 2026, the organization of an international film festival in Pokhara, the launch of an audio-visual storytelling campaign, and the production of promotional materials focused on film tourism. These efforts are expected to enhance Nepal’s visibility in global creative industries while simultaneously attracting international travelers inspired by cinematic experiences.
Agreement Signed at NTB Amid Focus on Strategic Tourism Promotion
The agreement was formally signed on Wednesday at the Nepal Tourism Board’s auditorium by NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi and FDB Chairperson Dinesh Raj Dahal (popularly known as Dinesh DC). According to NTB Senior Manager Surya Thapaliya, the collaboration falls under the approved programs and budget of Fiscal Year 2082/83.
Officials stated that the partnership represents an institutional effort to integrate Nepal’s tourism promotion strategy with the rapidly expanding global film industry, where destinations featured in films often experience significant increases in visitor numbers.
Nepal to Establish Official Presence at Cannes Film Festival
One of the central provisions of the MoU is Nepal’s official participation in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival each year. Nepal will establish a dedicated pavilion to showcase Nepali films alongside the country’s diverse tourism destinations, offering a platform to engage with global filmmakers, producers, distributors, and tourism stakeholders.
The initiative aims not only to promote Nepal’s cinematic talent but also to highlight its natural landscapes, heritage sites, and cultural richness as potential filming locations and travel destinations. By aligning with Cannes, one of the world’s most influential film events, Nepal hopes to strengthen its international cultural footprint and attract foreign productions.
Pokhara to Host International Film Festival Blending Cinema and Tourism
The agreement also envisions organizing an international-standard film festival in Pokhara, positioning the city as a convergence point of cinema and tourism. Known for its scenic beauty and adventure tourism appeal, Pokhara is expected to benefit from global exposure through film screenings, cultural exchange programs, and industry networking events.
Authorities believe such an event will encourage filmmakers to use Nepal as a shooting destination while simultaneously drawing international visitors, critics, and artists, thereby boosting local hospitality, services, and creative industries.
Film Tourism Seen as a Long-Term National Strategy
Speaking at the signing ceremony, FDB Chairperson Dinesh DC described the collaboration as “the beginning of a long journey,” emphasizing that Nepal’s participation in Cannes would be ensured annually to firmly establish the country within the global film landscape.
He noted that filming locations naturally evolve into tourist attractions once they appear on screen. “After a film is shot, those locations are automatically promoted as travel destinations,” he said, adding that joint efforts would help transform Nepal into a tourism-driven economy by leveraging cinematic exposure.
NTB Highlights Vision of ‘Land of Memorable Stories’
NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi reiterated the Board’s vision of branding Nepal as the “Land of Memorable Stories,” stating that film tourism has been placed among its strategic priorities. He stressed the need for policy reforms, simplified permit procedures, and facilitation mechanisms to attract international film productions.
Joshi also pointed out that NTB participates in 50 to 60 international forums annually and that future engagements could integrate film-sector collaboration to maximize promotional impact. The partnership, he added, would help bring high-potential but lesser-known destinations into the global tourism market.
Set-Jetting, Joint Promotions, and Infrastructure Development Included
The MoU incorporates initiatives to encourage “set-jetting”, travel inspired by film and television locations, while also calling for joint promotion in international exhibitions and markets. The collaboration aims to position Nepal as an attractive hub for audio-visual production by developing supportive infrastructure and targeted promotional campaigns.
Senior Manager Surya Thapaliya stated that the partnership is expected to draw tourists to under-explored destinations, stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities, and strengthen cultural exchange through creative industries.
Experts Call the Partnership a Strategic Step for Global Positioning
Nepal Journalists Federation Secretary Baikuntha Raj Parajuli described the MoU as a strategic step toward establishing Nepal more firmly on the regional and global tourism map. With film tourism gaining momentum worldwide, Nepal seeks to present its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and heritage to international audiences through the cinematic medium.
By merging storytelling with destination marketing, stakeholders believe Nepal can tap into a new wave of experiential tourism, where audiences inspired by films choose to visit the landscapes they see on screen. The collaboration between NTB and FDB is therefore seen not merely as a promotional campaign but as a long-term cultural and economic strategy to enhance Nepal’s global visibility and tourism growth.
