Tourism stakeholders from Nepal, China call for deeper partnership

KATHMANDU: Tourism stakeholders from Nepal and China called for deeper partnership to boost collaboration, promote shared learning and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The appeal came at the '2026 China Tourism Day Joint Promotion and China Southern Airlines Appreciation Event', organised by the China National Tourist Office, China Cultural Centre and China Southern Airlines in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

At the event, speakers said travel offers opportunities for exchange, learning and mutual appreciation of cultural and natural heritage.

Liu Zhanping, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Kathmandu, said the event aimed to build close and pragmatic cooperation in tourism, to let people experience the unique attractions of both countries and to explore broad prospects for joint work. “Travel is life,” Liu said, adding that tourism brings people closer to nature, relieves the stresses of daily life and allows visitors to appreciate multicultural legacies left by human ancestors. He said tourism can promote civilised exchanges and mutual learning among ethnic groups and nations, and help strengthen friendship and a shared future for mankind.

Meanwhile, Officiating Director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Sunil Sharma, presented Nepal’s tourism offerings, inviting international visitors to explore the country’s scenic landscapes, peaceful environments and rich biodiversity.

Zhao Pengjie of the China National Tourism Office in Kathmandu outlined China’s key destinations and World Heritage Sites, and highlighted Chinese cuisine and cultural, religious and natural attractions, including Mt Kailash, the Potala Palace, the Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City. He noted that China Tourism Day has been observed on May 19 since 2011, inspired by the travel spirit of Xu Xiake. “His footsteps symbolise curiosity, persistence, and a lifelong devotion to understanding the world through direct experience,” Zhao said.

Also speaking, Yang Wenfu, General Manager of China Southern Airlines in Kathmandu, welcomed growing cultural exchanges and said the airline was promoting tourist destinations in both countries. “We provide a more convenient air bridge for personnel exchanges, tourism cooperation, and economic and trade relations between China and Nepal,” he said, and expressed hope for continued partnership that would bring mutual benefits and drive higher-quality development in tourism, cultural relations and aviation markets.

The event drew senior officials and industry representatives, including Acting Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Deo Chandra Lal Karn, Acting General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport Tek Nath Sitoula, Officiating CEO of NTB Hikmat Singh Ayer, diplomats, tour operators and business leaders.

During the programme, Nepal’s top 10 China Southern Airlines agencies were recognised with awards.

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