Nepal-India tourism council to be set up

CHITWAN: Nepal and India are set to establish a tourism council aimed at promoting tourism, expanding business relations and supporting joint development of the tourism sector.

The decision was made during the ‘Nepal-India Cross-Border Tourism Connect 2026’ programme held in Chitwan from October 25 to 27. The event was jointly organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council and the Prosperous Chitwan Campaign. Participants agreed on measures to increase the arrival of Indian tourists in Nepal, promote Nepali tourism in India and build long-term business partnerships between tourism entrepreneurs of the two countries.

The proposed Nepal-India Tourism Council will comprise tourism experts, travel and tour operators, hotel and resort managers, hospitality professionals and other stakeholders from both countries. Its key objectives will include joint destination promotion, business-to-business (B2B) meetings, development of joint tourism packages, exchange of experiences and regular networking programmes.

During the programme, Nepali hotel and resort operators and Indian travel and tour operators took part in B2B meetings, tourism networking and professional interactions.

Somanath Sapkota, spokesperson for the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council and chairman of the Tourism Promotion Committee, said discussions focused on connecting Nepal’s tourist destinations with the Indian market, creating joint tourism packages, exchanging experiences and expanding regular business contacts.

According to Sapkota, the programme will help promote Nepal as an attractive destination for Indian tourists and create new opportunities for the tourism industry.

Notable participants included Sharada Basyal, Executive Director of the Lumbini Province Tourism Promotion Council; Rajesh Singh, President of the Travel Trade Welfare Association of India; Dr KP Singh, representative of the Indo-Nepal Tourism Welfare Society; and Robin Prasad Sherchan, Senior Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council.

As part of the programme, participants visited tourist destinations, hotels and resorts in Ramgram, Amaltari, Maulakalika, Sauraha, Meghauli, Chitwan and Nawalpur.

They received information on the religious and historical significance of Ramgram, the Tharu culture of Amaltari, religious tourism in Maulakalika, jungle safari activities in Sauraha, and the natural beauty and hospitality services available in Meghauli and Nawalpur.

The Nepal–India Cross-Border Tourism Connect 2026 programme was organised with the support of private-sector stakeholders and tourism entrepreneurs.

By RSS