The “Village Tourism Mart 2083,” held in the scenic hill town of Bandipur, popularly known as the “Queen of the Hills”, concluded today following a series of discussions, networking sessions, and cultural engagements aimed at promoting rural tourism in Nepal. The four-day event, which began on April 29 and ended on May 2, brought together tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, media representatives, and local communities with a shared vision of strengthening community-based sustainable tourism.
The program was inaugurated by Minister for Industry and Tourism Yashoda Rimal, who emphasized the importance of village tourism in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities at the grassroots level. Organizers stated that the “Village Tourism Mart 2083,” held in Bandipur was designed to connect local homestays with national and international tourism markets while showcasing Nepal’s unique rural experiences.
Immersive Experiences Showcase Village Life
Throughout the “Village Tourism Mart 2083,” held in Bandipur, participants were engaged in immersive activities that highlighted rural lifestyles, traditions, and hospitality. On the first two days, delegates visited community homestays in Rumsi and Ramkot of Byas Municipality–14 in Tanahun district.
These visits provided firsthand exposure to local culture, cuisine, and daily life, reinforcing the concept of experiential tourism. Stakeholders noted that such initiatives are essential in positioning Nepal as a destination for authentic village experiences.
Panel Discussions Focus on Prosperity Through Tourism in “Village Tourism Mart 2083,” Bandipur
The concluding day featured a panel discussion on “Journey to Prosperity through Village Tourism” along with a broader discourse on “What kind of village? What kind of city?” The sessions explored how rural tourism can be integrated into national development strategies while maintaining cultural integrity and sustainability.
Experts, policymakers, and tourism entrepreneurs shared insights on improving infrastructure, enhancing service quality, and expanding market access for rural destinations. The discussions also emphasized balancing urban development with rural preservation.
Bandipur Declaration Paper Outlines Future Roadmap
A key outcome of the event was the declaration paper, which outlined strategic commitments to advance village tourism across Nepal. The declaration includes the following major points:
- The fifth edition of the Village Tourism Mart held in Bandipur, will be hosted in Gorkha Municipality, aiming to further promote historical and cultural tourism.
- The successful completion of the 2083 mart has strengthened networking and collaboration among stakeholders nationwide, creating a strong foundation for sustainable rural tourism development.
- Thirty homestays from Gandaki Province showcased their culture, hospitality, and uniqueness, contributing significantly to local tourism promotion and strengthening their identity.
- Initiatives will be taken to establish ‘Koseli Ghar’ (souvenir houses) in each homestay in coordination with local governments to promote local products, handicrafts, and cuisine.
- A “Best Homestay of the Year” award will be introduced annually to encourage quality service and healthy competition.
- Training and capacity-building programs will be conducted to improve cleanliness, hospitality, and service standards in homestays.
- Strategies will be adopted to link local agriculture, products, and handicrafts with tourism, creating new income opportunities for communities.
- Commitments have been made to increase youth participation in village tourism by generating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Collaboration among rural tourism destinations will be strengthened through joint packages and programs to boost internal tourism.
- The declaration reaffirms the commitment to establish village tourism as a key pillar of the national economy, with the vision of achieving “Prosperous Villages, Strong Tourism.”
Strengthening Community-Based Tourism
Organizers highlighted that the “Village Tourism Mart 2083,” held in Bandipur has successfully created a platform for dialogue, partnership, and promotion of Nepal’s rural tourism sector. The participation of homestays, local governments, and tourism professionals has helped in building a collective vision for sustainable growth. The emphasis on internal tourism, community involvement, and preservation of local culture was evident throughout the event, signaling a shift toward more inclusive tourism development.
The conclusion of Village Tourism Mart 2026 marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s efforts to promote rural tourism on a larger scale. With clear commitments outlined in the declaration paper and growing collaboration among stakeholders, the event is expected to contribute to long-term sustainable development in rural areas.
As Nepal continues to diversify its tourism offerings, initiatives like this mart are likely to play a crucial role in empowering local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and positioning village tourism as a vital component of the national economy.
