Kathmandu – Nepal’s tourism sector has received a positive boost as a 185-member corporate delegation from Bangladesh arrived in Kathmandu under the government’s ‘Nepal Calling’ campaign, promoting the message that Nepal remains a safe and welcoming destination for visitors.
Officials from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), including Acting Director Sunil Sharma and Senior Officer Prem Prasad Bhattarai, welcomed the visiting team at Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday evening with traditional khada and Dhaka topi.
The arrival comes after discussions and concerns emerged in international tourism markets following the recent floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river areas. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, along with the Nepal Tourism Board and tourism-related organizations, have been highlighting that most tourist destinations across Nepal remain safe and open, except for some affected areas in Rasuwa, Gorkha and Nuwakot.
The visiting delegation represents Walton Plaza, a prominent corporate company from Bangladesh, and is part of Nepal’s efforts to rebuild international tourism confidence through the ‘Nepal Calling’ campaign. An additional group of around 30 representatives is also scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on September 18.
NTB Acting Director Sharma, who is also the board’s spokesperson, said the arrival of such a large corporate group sends a positive message to the international tourism community and reflects continued confidence in Nepal as a travel destination.
The Bangladeshi visitors expressed happiness over the warm welcome and shared that Nepal is safe, open for tourists and ready to offer its renowned hospitality. They also encouraged other international travellers to visit Nepal.
The visit is expected to further strengthen tourism and corporate relations between Nepal and Bangladesh. Despite recent natural disasters, the continued arrival of foreign tourists and corporate groups highlights ongoing international interest in Nepal’s tourism sector.
Meanwhile, a 133-member delegation from Sri Lanka, representing the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka and Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka, is also scheduled to arrive in Nepal on Thursday afternoon. The group has chosen Nepal as the destination for their annual general meetings and will visit Kathmandu and other tourist destinations from September 17 to 20.
Similarly, representatives from India and other SAARC countries have recently visited various destinations in Nepal and shared messages and photographs highlighting Nepal’s safety and tourism potential.
Photo : Subash Thapa
