The HTM2023 Conference, held on June 7 under the theme "Reconnecting, Rebuilding, and Reinvigorating," featured a lineup of national and international thought leaders and speakers
The 4th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2023) concluded on Saturday in Nepalese capital city of Kathmandu. According to a press statement issued by the organisers, the mart attracted over 700 delegates from 25 different countries and leading Nepalese tourism stakeholders. The statement adds that the event emphasised the journey of recovery and the promotion of tourism in a world reshaped by the post-pandemic era.
The four-day event is the largest and most prestigious international travel and tourism trade show in Nepal, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and organised by PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and other prominent tourism associations and private sector organisations of Nepal.
The mart was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, on Tuesday, June 6. In his address at the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister acknowledged the crucial role of tourism in Nepal’s economy and emphasised the government’s commitment to developing Nepal as a promising tourism destination, providing immersive and transformative lifetime experiences. He expressed pride in the Government of Nepal especially the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, for hosting the prestigious HTM event, which has evolved into a prominent platform for promoting tourism in Nepal and the entire Himalayan region, positioning Nepal as the ‘‘Gateway to the Himalayas’’.
“Tourism serves as a vital driver of Nepal’s economy, fostering economic growth, and generating employment opportunities for our people. Recognising its immense potential, the government is dedicated to developing Nepal as an exceptional tourism destination, offering immersive and transformative experiences,’’ Dahal said.
To achieve this vision, he outlined key priorities, including enhancing infrastructure, upgrading transportation facilities, implementing policy reforms, strengthening the aviation sector, fostering private-sector collaborations, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Delivering the concluding remarks, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Suresh Adhikari expressed his delight in welcoming all international delegates participating in HTM 2023. He emphasised his belief that the homegrown brand, the Himalayan Travel Mart, would provide an excellent opportunity to showcase Nepal‘s tourism potential and establish connections with travel trade professionals from around the world.
The four-day event is the largest and most prestigious international travel and tourism trade show in Nepal
State Minister Sushila Sirpali Takuri emphasised that Nepal was a destination with immense potential for tourism, and called upon all public and private sector stakeholders to unite their efforts collectively for its promotion.
Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter Bibhuti Chand Thakur welcomed the delegates and guests attending the 4th edition of HTM. He highlighted PATA Nepal’s vision and missions, which focus on promoting sustainable development and growth of tourism, not only within the country but also beyond its borders. He described HTM as Nepal’s highly successful and impactful international event, providing unparalleled networking and business opportunities, insightful sessions, and extensive destination promotion.
The inaugural ceremony of HTM 2023 was followed by various cultural performances by the Tharu women’s group from Green Chwadi Nature Retreat, the Tarkeshwor Bhajan Group, the Young Tourism Professionals from PATA Nepal Student Chapter, and the Sursudha team. The statement adds that they delivered mesmerising performances, creating an enchanting ambiance.
The HTM 2023 Conference, held on June 7 under the theme “Reconnecting, Rebuilding, and Reinvigorating,” featured a lineup of national and international thought leaders and speakers. The conference provided engaging discussions and unparalleled insights on various subjects, including Aviation for Good, Unlocking the Potential of Nepal’s New International Airports, The Return of Chinese Outbound Travelers by COTRI, European Tourism Trends and Opportunities for Nepal’s Tourism, Building Sustainable Tourism through Community Empowerment, Fostering Regional Tourism Potential, Rejuvenating Travel Spirit and Tourism Businesses, and Reinventing Education to Better Serve Humanity.
This year, the two-day B2B mart held on June 8 and 9 witnessed the participation of 50 buyer organisations from the USA, Europe, Russia, CIS countries, Asia, and the Gulf Region. Additionally, there were 40 seller organisations or exhibitors from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. The event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to reconnect, explore, establish, strengthen, or expand their business partnerships and networking opportunities.
In his address, Adhikari also announced that MoCTCA together with PATA Nepal Chapter and Nepal Tourism Board will be organizing 5th Himalayan Travel Mart from June 4-7, 2024 in Kathmandu.
