The fifth edition of the international tourism fair ‘Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM)’ concluded in Kathmandu on Thursday, concluding with a collective effort among Himalayan countries for sustainable tourism development and broadening the strategy for promoting destinations internationally.
The Tourism Mart, held from 3rd June to 5th June, had aimed to foster business opportunities and valuable industry insights by establishing a unique network of contacts between global tourism and hospitality organizations, professionals, and individuals involved in various sectors of the industry.
With focus on promoting Nepal’s tourism, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) had organized the mart in collaboration with Nepal Airlines, other major tourism organizations, and national and international partner organizations. The mart was attended by over 700 representatives, including more than 100 foreign guests from more than 30 countries, tourism workers, and stakeholders.
The mart concluded with a programme organized at LOD Night Club in Thamel. Guests attending the mart enjoyed various musical performances as well as the unique performances at the club. The programme was attended by foreign representatives participating in the mart, including PATA Nepal chairman Khem Lakai, Nepal Airlines Corporation Corporate director Anil Ghimire, senior officers of the Nepal Tourism Board, and tourism entrepreneurs.
The mart hosted a conference on ‘Mountain Milestones and Momentum,’ interactions and group discussions on various tourism related subjects. The experts emphasized the need to move forward through integrated efforts and practices for the development of the tourism industry.
They pointed out the need for coordination and collaboration to attract tourists from all over the world by highlighting the immense tourism potential of Nepal, which is blessed with unique natural beauty and geographical diversity.
General secretary of PATA Nepal Chapter and coordinator of the mart Narendra Dev Bhatta said that the tourism fair was organized with the aim of supporting Nepal’s tourism promotion by establishing a strong network of relationships in international source markets. HTM, which has been held every June since 2017, is Nepal’s premier international tourism trade fair. Bhatta added that the event is believed to promote business opportunities and valuable industry insights by establishing a unique network of contacts between global tourism and hospitality organizations, professionals, and individuals involved in various sectors of the industry.
The conference featured more than 20 national and international speakers and thinkers who shared their perspectives on spiritual, adventure and luxury tourism, sustainable tourism, contemporary market trends, current issues, and emerging opportunities for tourism. Similarly, under the B2B programme, this year HTM gathered more than 60 buyers from the United States, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Russia and CIS countries, and PATA Nepal has stated that more than 65 vendors from six destination countries including Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka had participated in the mart.
The fifth edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart in Kathmandu has been a successful platform for connecting Nepal’s tourism industry with international partners, exploring new markets, and fostering global business collaborations. As the event continues to evolve, it plays a crucial role in promoting Nepal’s diverse tourism assets and contributing to the country’s goal of becoming a top global tourism destination, the organisers remarked at the conclusion of the event.
