Keynote speaker, registration deadline for HTM 2026 announced

KATHMANDU: Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have announced key updates for the 6th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2026), including the opening keynote speaker, a partnership with Kirtipur Municipality and a reminder that registration closes on May 10, 2026.

Hannah Pearson, Regional Director for Asia Pacific at the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), will deliver the opening keynote, titled 'The Future of Adventure Travel in Asia: Trends, Opportunities, and Nepal’s Competitive Edge.' Pearson, who has more than 14 years’ experience in the region’s adventure travel sector, has been featured in international outlets including BBC World News, Bloomberg and The Guardian.

PATA Nepal Chapter and the NTB previously signed an agreement to jointly host HTM 2026. Under the agreement, the NTB will act as the organising partner, providing strategic coordination, facilitation and financial support for hosted international delegates, including buyers, speakers and media representatives. The PATA Nepal Chapter will lead planning, promotion and execution of the event.

HTM 2026 is scheduled for 1-4 June 2026 at The Plaza in Lalitpur. The programme will include pre-event familiarisation tours to destinations such as Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Lumbini and Sindhupalchok; the HTM Insight Forum and conference sessions; B2B meetings; networking events; and cultural experiences for international delegates.

PATA Nepal Chapter and Kirtipur Municipality have formed a partnership to promote Kirtipur as a must-visit destination for HTM delegates. The municipality and PATA Nepal Chapter highlighted Kirtipur’s Newari architecture, cultural heritage, temples and stupas, traditional food experiences and panoramic Himalayan views as attractions to be showcased during the event.

Organisers said HTM 2026 aims to bring together global buyers, sellers, industry experts, media, influencers and tourism stakeholders to foster networking, knowledge exchange and business opportunities, reinforcing Nepal’s positioning as the “Gateway to the Himalayas.”