The “Village Tourism Mart 2026” officially began on Friday in the picturesque hill town of Bandipur, often known as the “Queen of the Hills,” with a vision to promote rural tourism in the international market and strengthen community-based sustainable tourism across Nepal. The four-day event was inaugurated by Minister for Industry and Tourism Yashoda Rimal amid a gathering of tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, media representatives, and local communities. The event has been jointly organized to highlight Nepal’s rural tourism potential and connect local homestays with national and international tourism markets.
Colorful Rally Showcases Cultural Diversity
Before the formal inauguration, a vibrant cultural rally was organized in Bandipur Bazaar, featuring participation from 19 homestays representing 11 districts of Gandaki Province. The procession showcased traditional attire, local music, cultural tableaux, and heritage-based presentations, reflecting the rich identity of rural Nepal. The rally set an energetic tone for the mart, attracting attention from both domestic and international visitors and signaling strong community participation in tourism promotion.
Minister Rimal Emphasizes Rural Economy Through Tourism
In her inaugural address, Minister Yashoda Rimal highlighted the importance of tourism in strengthening rural economies and generating local employment. She noted that federalism has enabled decentralized development in Nepal, allowing local governments to play a crucial role in shaping tourism-led growth.
“A strong village forms the foundation of national prosperity, and tourism is a key driver in strengthening rural economies,” she said, stressing the need to connect communities directly with tourism opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
NTB Highlights Global Demand for Community Tourism
Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, emphasized the growing global demand for community-based and experiential tourism. He stated that modern travelers are increasingly seeking immersive cultural experiences and meaningful engagement with local communities.
Joshi highlighted ongoing efforts to expand tourism awareness and promote Nepal as a destination for authentic village experiences. He also appreciated the collaboration of Bandipur Rural Municipality and partner organizations in successfully hosting the event. “Passing on indigenous skills and traditional knowledge to future generations is equally important for preserving our tourism identity,” he added.
Local Government and Stakeholders Stress Rural Tourism Growth
Narendra Dev Bhatt, board member of the Nepal Tourism Board, reiterated that rural tourism has always been a priority in Nepal’s tourism development strategy. He stated that such initiatives help preserve the authentic identity of Nepal’s villages while strengthening the tourism economy.
Similarly, Surendra Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, said the mart was organized to promote local culture and tourism potential. He noted that initiatives like “village safari” have helped connect tourists with homestays and create integrated rural tourism circuits across Gandaki Province.
Flag Handover to Gorkha for Next Edition
One of the key highlights of the event was the announcement of the next edition of the Village Tourism Mart, which will be hosted in Gorkha. During the ceremony, Bandipur Rural Municipality formally handed over the event flag to Gorkha Municipality.
Accepting the responsibility, Mayor Krishna Bahadur Rana Magar said Gorkha would work to make the next edition even more impactful. He emphasized the historical significance of Gorkha, noting that the region has not received sufficient tourism attention in recent years. “This event will help bring Gorkha back into the tourism spotlight,” he said, inviting travelers to explore the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
Homestay Experiences and Rural Safari Attraction
The four-day program, running from April 29 to May 2, features immersive tourism activities designed to showcase rural life and culture. On the first two days, participants visited community homestays in Rumsi and Ramkot of Byas Municipality–14 in Tanahun district.
For the first time in Nepal, a “safari-style” rural tourism experience was introduced, allowing visitors to explore village lifestyles closely. The visits were coordinated by tourism entrepreneur Basanta Paudel and provided guests with firsthand exposure to rural hospitality, agriculture, and traditional practices.
Business Networking and Cultural Promotion
The second day of the event included sightseeing tours of Bandipur’s major attractions along with an evening cultural program featuring traditional performances and local cuisine.
Friday’s official session was followed by business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking sessions aimed at strengthening partnerships between homestay operators and tourism entrepreneurs. These interactions are expected to open new opportunities for rural tourism promotion at both national and international levels.
The event will conclude on Saturday with a formal closing and farewell ceremony. Organizers, including the Village Tourism Promotion Forum, Gandaki, expressed confidence that the initiative will significantly boost rural tourism and strengthen Nepal’s identity as a sustainable tourism destination.
Shobha Sapkota, Chair of the Forum, thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation and emphasized that the mart marks an important step toward empowering rural communities through tourism. With strong participation and growing international interest, the Village Tourism Mart 2026 is expected to play a key role in positioning Nepal’s rural destinations on the global tourism map.
