Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu and Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), orchestrated a highly successful destination promotion and business-to-business (B2B) session in Chengdu, China, on June 6, 2024. The event saw active participation from sixty Nepalese hoteliers who engaged in fruitful exchanges with over a hundred Chinese tourism professionals.
The primary objective of the one-day program was to fortify and expand the network with Chinese tourism stakeholders, aiming to bolster the presence of Nepalese tourism products and services in China’s burgeoning outbound tourism market. Notably, Chinese tourist arrivals to Nepal reached 60,875 in 2023 and continued to grow, totaling 38,290 within the first four months of 2024. The increasing trend underscores the potential for further growth through strategic marketing initiatives enhancing the visibility of Nepali offerings.
The declaration of “2025 as Nepal Visit Year in China” by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in September 2023 has injected new vigor into China’s interest in visiting Nepal. A series of planned events, including cultural festivals, participation in travel expos, destination campaigns, sales missions, seminars, and digital marketing through various social media platforms, are pivotal in reinforcing this commitment.
Binayak Shah, President of HAN, warmly welcomed all participants and guests, affirming Nepal’s readiness to provide exceptional hospitality and world-class accommodation capable of hosting up to 3.5 million tourists. He expressed eagerness to welcome Chinese visitors and create unforgettable experiences.
Youb Raj Shrestha, Treasurer of HAN, highlighted Nepal’s hospitality standards and emphasized China’s immense potential as a key tourism market for Nepal.
The event was graced by esteemed figures including Mr. Wang Hong, Deputy General Manager of Sichuan Tourism Investment Group, Mr. Wang Zhaoxue, President of Sichuan Association of Travel Agencies, and Mr. Leng Xiaoming, Deputy Director of Chengdu Foreign Affairs, who extended warm greetings to the Nepali delegation.
Santosh Panta, Director of Nepal Tourism Board, delivered an insightful presentation showcasing Nepal’s diverse tourism offerings, cultural richness, and collaborative efforts with the Chinese Embassy to enhance accessibility for Chinese tourists.
Suresh Raut, Consul General of Nepal in Chengdu, reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s tourism endeavors in China and underscored the importance of aligning promotional activities with Chinese market preferences.
In his closing remarks, Sajan Shakya, General Secretary of HAN, expressed gratitude to the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu, Nepal Tourism Board, and all participants for their contributions to the program’s success.
The session sparked innovative ideas focused on enhancing visitor experiences and promoting cultural exchanges between Nepal and China. Participants explored joint marketing initiatives and cross-promotional campaigns aimed at fostering long-term partnerships and rejuvenating Nepal’s tourism industry. The event concluded with Nepali cultural performances, delighting attendees and reinforcing the commitment to mutual collaboration.
