Embassy of India, Kathmandu in association with the Nepal Tourism Board jointly organised the 1st India-Nepal Tourism Meet yesterday. The event focused on the promotion of Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh and creating B2B connections to foster the implementation of circuit tourism between India and Nepal. Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal Arun Kumar Chaudhary inaugurated the session. In his opening remarks, Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO, of Nepal Tourism Board appreciated that India was the biggest source of foreign tourists visiting Nepal. Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary in his remarks mentioned that cross-border tourism especially through land routes is a big contributor to tourism in Nepal even though not captured in formal statistics.
He also suggested that both sides need to focus on cross-border connectivity, particularly in remote areas such as in the Sudurpaschim Province. Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, underscored the developments in physical and digital connectivity that are driving higher tourism flows between India and Nepal. He also stressed on continued joint efforts of both sides to fully leverage the India-Nepal tourism potential, including through the promotion of religious and cultural circuits involving places in Nepal and the neighbouring states of India. Department of Tourism Of Uttar Pradesh showcased preparation for Mahakumbh 2025 which is important for sanatani and people who want to experience culture in Prayagraj.
The event concluded with a mesmerising Kathak dance performance by an eight-member troupe from India supported by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). The B2B event at the Meet was attended by 13 delegates from India and 60 tour operators from Nepal. The discussions focused on promoting cross-border tourism, especially through the land route. Tour operators from both sides deliberated on possible travel plans for visitors from both sides including in the context of Ramayana and Buddhist circuits.
