Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm hosted the inception workshop on Nepal’s Green Hospitality Standards from August 22 to 24, 2026, as part of a national initiative to develop a practical and forward-looking framework for greening Nepal’s hospitality sector.
The initiative was initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), supported by Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN) and led by Dr. Anu Kumari Rai.
The broader programme, held from August 21 to 24, brought together key stakeholders from Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sector to discuss sustainability while also experiencing green hospitality practices at certified properties.
Sustainability Policy Meets Practical Experience
Unlike conventional policy discussions that are often conducted primarily through meetings and presentations, the initiative adopted a practical, experience-based approach.
The programme was conducted at two internationally recognised green-certified properties: Hotel Barahi in Chitwan, recognised through the TOFTigers Eco Footprint programme, and Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm in Haibung, a Travelife Gold-certified property.
Hosting the workshop at Prakriti provided participants with an opportunity to observe how sustainability principles can be incorporated into day-to-day hospitality operations.
Prakriti Resort was established with a vision of demonstrating that hospitality, environmental responsibility, local livelihoods and economic sustainability can coexist.
Focus on Practical Green Hospitality Standards
The workshop brought together stakeholders to explore what green hospitality should mean in the Nepali context and how sustainability standards can be made practical for hospitality businesses of different sizes and operating models.
Discussions focused on integrating climate resilience, environmental protection, ESG principles, resource efficiency and measurable sustainability indicators into hospitality operations.
Participants also explored ways to protect Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage while supporting continued growth in the tourism sector.
Learning From a Living Sustainable Property
Participants at Prakriti Resort were able to observe sustainability practices beyond policy documents and presentations.
The Prakriti Resort demonstrated a range of initiatives, including organic farming, biodiversity conservation, responsible water management, waste reduction, composting, local employment, community engagement, low-impact architecture and development, cultural integration and renewable energy planning.
Prakriti’s Travelife Gold certification was highlighted as an important milestone in its ongoing sustainability journey, rather than an endpoint, with the resort aiming to move further toward regenerative hospitality.
Diverse Tourism Stakeholders Participate
The workshop brought together representatives from a broad range of government agencies, tourism institutions, industry associations, hospitality businesses and educational and technical organisations.
Government and statutory institutions represented included the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology and Nepal Rastra Bank.
Representatives from industry and professional organisations included the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Hotel Federation of Nepal (HOFEN), Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), international hotel chains, home-grown hospitality brands, star and non-star hotels and homestay accommodations.
Educational, training and expert institutions participating in the initiative included the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), StoryCycle, as well as sustainability and tourism experts.
The participation of stakeholders from different areas of the tourism ecosystem provided an opportunity to incorporate diverse perspectives into the development of the proposed standards.
Towards a Greener and More Resilient Tourism Industry
The emerging Green Hospitality Standards could provide an important foundation for the future development of Nepal’s tourism sector.
By integrating environmental stewardship, climate resilience, ESG principles, resource efficiency and measurable sustainability practices into hospitality operations, the initiative aims to help Nepal move beyond conventional approaches to sustainable tourism and toward a more resilient and regenerative tourism economy.
Prakriti Resort said its journey from a remote location with limited infrastructure to a Travelife Gold-certified sustainable property enabled it to contribute practical experience to the national discussion.
The Prakriti Resort emphasised that the future of hospitality should extend beyond providing accommodation and experiences to include protecting nature, strengthening local communities, respecting cultural heritage, using resources responsibly and creating long-term economic prosperity.
Stakeholders Commended for National Initiative
Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Anu Kumari Rai, Sanjeevani Yonzon Shrestha, Director of Wildlife Conservation Nepal, the organising and expert teams, and participating institutions and hospitality leaders for contributing to the initiative.
The resort described its participation as an honour and said it looks forward to continuing to contribute to Nepal’s transition from sustainable hospitality toward a more regenerative tourism model.
