Inauguration of Himalayan Tourism Mart 2025 (Photo: PATA Nepal Chapter)
The 5th edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2025) concluded in Kathmandu with resounding success and participation by the global tourism community.
In a press statement, PATA Nepal Chapter says that the event drew over 700 delegates from 30 countries, including more than 100 international participants and a strong representation of national tourism stakeholders.
The statement adds that with the theme Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum, HTM 2025 not only marked the 50th Anniversary of the PATA Nepal Chapter, but also set new benchmarks for international tourism collaboration, promotion, and momentum for sustainable tourism growth.
The meeting was held from June 3-5 in Kathmandu and brought together international buyers, sellers, media, tourism professionals, policymakers and stakeholders. The statement adds that the enthusiastic participation reaffirmed HTM’s position as the Himalayan region’s premier travel trade platform, further strengthening Nepal’s identity as the ‘Gateway to the Himalayas’.
Organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and various public and private sector partners, HTM 2025 featured a vibrant mix of business exchanges, knowledge-sharing sessions, networking opportunities, destination experience tours, and cultural showcases.
The event was inaugurated on by Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal and in his keynote address, the Minister praised Nepal’s legacy as the ‘Gateway to the Himalayas’. He also highlighted the twin milestones of PATA Nepal’s Golden Jubilee and the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Annapurna. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism future through strong public-private partnerships and global cooperation.
Khem Lakai, Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter, welcomed the delegates to the 5th Himalayan Travel Mart and expressed optimism about Nepal’s growing stature as a year-round travel destination while emphasising the need for cross-border tourism alliances.
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted Nepal’s vision for sustainable tourism, with a focus on developing new circuits and unique experiences for international travellers.
The statement adds that from May 30 to June 2, international delegates explored Nepal’s diverse offerings through pre-mart Familiarisation trips in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Panauti, and Dhulikhel. These journeys provided immersive experiences in heritage, wildlife, community-based tourism, adventure, wellness and spirituality, showcasing Nepal’s rich tapestry of experiences.
According to the organisers, the B2B Mart sessions, held on June 4 and 5, provided a dynamic platform for over 60 international buyers from 21 countries and 70 sellers from 6 different destination countries, resulting in more than 2,100 pre-scheduled business appointments and the creation of substantial new tourism partnerships.
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