A three-day Western Travel Mart commenced yesterday in Nepalgunj with the aim of promoting tourism in the mid-western regions of Nepal, particularly in Banke and Bardiya. The event brings together stakeholders from Nepal and India to highlight and develop the region’s vast tourism potential.
Western Travel Mart Kicks Off
Inaugurating the mart, Member of Parliament Kishore Singh Rathore emphasized the need to conserve and promote the natural and religious heritage of Banke and Bardiya. “These regions hold immense potential for tourism, and it’s crucial to develop strategies that attract foreign tourists,” Rathore said. He highlighted that homestay facilities equivalent to four-star hotels have already been established in the region.
Rathore also suggested that tourism promotion events should be evaluated annually to improve shortcomings and capitalize on strengths. “Tourism not only creates employment but also enhances local income. Relevant stakeholders must work collectively to mobilize local resources for maximum benefit,” he added.
Similarly, Lumbini Province Assembly Member Mina Shrestha stressed the importance of implementing effective tourism policies. She stated that Nepalgunj holds significant promise for religious tourism, which could drive the overall growth of the sector in western Nepal.
Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Prashant Bista pointed out that events like the Western Travel Mart play a vital role in strengthening Nepal-India relations. “Indian tourists should be invited to visit Nepal’s religious sites with due respect. Nepalgunj has all the qualities to become an attractive destination for spiritual and cultural tourism,” he noted.
Narendra Dev Bhatt, a member of the Nepal Tourism Board’s executive committee, highlighted Nepal’s unique blend of Himalayan, hilly, and Terai attractions, asserting that these can captivate international tourists if a tourist-friendly environment is ensured.
Indian travel entrepreneur Rajesh Sinha from Lucknow expressed optimism about tourism cooperation between Nepal and India. “Mutual goodwill between the two nations can attract religious tourists, significantly contributing to Nepal’s tourism growth,” he said.
Shreeram Sigdel, the President of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Banke chapter, underscored the importance of ensuring respectful treatment of Indian tourists. “If we create a welcoming and smooth travel experience, tourism promotion will naturally become more effective,” he said.
Organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, the third edition of the Western Travel Mart is being held in collaboration with the Tourism Development Council of Lumbini Province, Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hotel Association, and the Hotel Entrepreneurs of Banke.
According to the event’s main organizing committee, more than 35 tour operators from India’s key tourist cities, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Gorakhpur, are participating. During the mart, the visiting delegates will be taken on tours of Banke and Bardiya National Parks to experience firsthand the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of the region.
With such joint efforts, stakeholders are hopeful that the Western Travel Mart will pave the way for sustainable tourism development, increased cross-border cooperation, and greater economic opportunities for the mid-western region of Nepal.
