Nepal Unites for Tourism Revival: Government, NTB and Private Sector Join Hands

KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and tourism entrepreneurs have pledged a united effort to revive Nepal’s struggling tourism industry, which has been hit hard by recent political unrest and the Gen Z movement. A series of high-level meetings held in Kathmandu this week concluded that Nepal’s tourism sector, despite facing severe challenges, is already moving on a path of recovery.

At a stakeholder discussion organized at NTB on Monday, top representatives from major tourism-related associations highlighted the urgent need for coordinated recovery efforts. Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, and NTB Chairman, Hari Prasad Mainali, assured that the government is committed to easing policy hurdles and working closely with the private sector to restore confidence in Nepal as a safe and attractive travel destination.

“Immediate reforms have been initiated for tourism revival. We are prioritizing safe travel arrangements for visitors, promoting Nepal’s positive image, and leveraging digital platforms to project Nepal as a secure destination globally,” Mainali said, directing agencies to prioritize facilitation of tourists’ safe mobility.

Strong Push for Recovery Packages

NTB Vice Chairman Ram Prasad Sapkota stressed the need to roll out tourism packages targeting key markets, while urging embassies, NRN networks, and global tourism platforms to amplify the message that Nepal remains safe for visitors.

Pokhara NTB Chief Maniram Lamichhane stated that coordination is underway to assess local damages while assuring that trekking routes and adventure tourism destinations remain safe. “Our trekking trails are open, and adventure tourism has resumed smoothly. We are ready to facilitate tourists visiting Pokhara and surrounding regions,” he said.

Hotel Industry Signals Readiness

Despite reporting significant damages during recent turmoil, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah reassured that hotel services remain uninterrupted. “Hospitality will not be compromised. Adventure tourism is largely unaffected, and we are seeing rising tourist numbers in these segments,” Shah noted.

Agencies Call for Global Outreach

Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), emphasized the importance of sending a global message of safety:

“This crisis is different from natural disasters. We are working on long-term strategies and solutions to ensure Nepal remains on travelers’ radar.”

Board member Rishiram Bhandari warned that recovery requires consistent effort, reminding that past crises took nearly five years for tourism to recover. “This time, we must ensure recovery within a shorter period,” he said.

Narendra Dev Bhatt, NTB board member and General Secretary of PATA Nepal Chapter, urged embassies and foreign missions to actively promote Nepal’s safety credentials abroad. Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) President Sagar Pandey and Kailash Tour Operators’ Association President Bimal Naharki highlighted the need for facilitation of Kailash-bound pilgrims and adventure travelers.

CEO Calls for Confidence Building

NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi reminded stakeholders that Nepal’s tourism industry has historically bounced back stronger after crises. “Even during disasters, Nepal’s tourism has shown resilience. This is the time to actively promote destinations, highlight safety measures, and coordinate with government agencies for quick recovery,” Joshi said.

On Sunday, NTB had held a separate meeting with representatives of four- and five-star hotels in Nepal, where hoteliers expressed readiness to welcome guests provided the state ensures necessary facilitation.

Unified Commitment

The discussions concluded with a rare display of unity among the government, Nepal Tourism Board, and private sector. Stakeholders collectively committed to turning challenges into opportunities and repositioning Nepal as a safe, attractive, and easy-to-access global tourism destination.