Kathmandu:A new council is being established between Nepal and India to promote tourism, expand business relations, and jointly develop the tourism sector. The initiative, known as the ‘Nepal-India Cross-Border Tourism Connect 2026,’ was discussed during a program held from October 25 to 27. The event was jointly organized by the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council and the Prosperous Chitwan Campaign.
According to National News Agency RSS, the program aimed to increase the arrival of Indian tourists in Nepal, promote Nepali tourism in India, and develop long-term business partnerships between tourism entrepreneurs of both countries. The proposed council will include tourism experts, travel and tour operators, hotel and resort managers, hospitality sector specialists, and other stakeholders from both nations.
The council’s main objectives include joint destination promotion, B2B meetings, creating joint tourism packages, exchanging experiences, and running regular networking programs. During the event, Nepalese hotel and resort operators and Indian travel and tour operators engaged in B2B meetings, tourism networking, and professional interactions.
Somanath Sapkota, spokesperson of the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council and chairman of the Tourism Promotion Committee, highlighted discussions on connecting Nepal’s tourist destinations with the Indian market. The program is expected to promote Nepal as an attractive destination for Indian tourists and create new opportunities for the tourism business.
Notable participants of the program 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 event, participants visited various tourist destinations, hotels, and resorts across Ramgram, Amaltari, Maulakalika, Sauraha, Meghauli, Chitwan, and Nawalpur, gaining insights into the local culture and attractions.
The Nepal-India Cross-Border Tourism Connect 2026 was organized with the support of the private sector and tourism entrepreneurs, aiming to foster collaboration and growth in the tourism sectors of both countries.