Nepal hosts 3rd BIMSTEC network of tour operators meeting to boost regional tourism

KATHMANDU: Nepal is playing a pivotal role in fostering regional tourism collaboration by hosting the 3rd Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators (BNTO) in Kathmandu. The two-day event has brought together key stakeholders from the tourism sector, including government officials, private operators, and representatives from BIMSTEC member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal . The meeting is being organized and coordinated by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) .

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Binod Prakash Singh , Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), along with Mr. Si Thu Aung , Director of BIMSTEC. During his address, Mr. Singh emphasized Nepal’s unwavering commitment to promoting regional tourism collaboration . He highlighted the country’s dedication to preserving its rich natural and cultural heritage while advancing sustainable tourism practices. “BIMSTEC provides a unique platform to enhance cross-border tourism and unlock shared cultural and natural assets for mutual benefit,” he stated.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Si Thu Aung , Director of BIMSTEC, underscored the importance of tourism as a vital economic driver for the region. “Tourism is not just an industry; it is a bridge that connects people, cultures, and economies. By working together, we can harness the untapped potential within BIMSTEC, fostering synergies, creating long-term partnerships, and contributing to employment, revenue growth, cultural exchanges, and stronger people-to-people relations,” he remarked.

Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi , Chief Executive Officer of NTB, expressed his enthusiasm for the meeting, highlighting Nepal’s proactive role in facilitating regional tourism. He emphasized the importance of this platform in developing collaborative strategies to promote the region’s diverse heritage. “This meeting is an opportunity to align our efforts, share best practices, and create actionable plans that will elevate tourism across the BIMSTEC region,” he said.

Key Agendas of the Meeting

The meeting focuses on several critical areas to enhance regional tourism, including:

Operationalization of BIMSTEC Buddhist and Cruise Circuits : Developing specialized tourist circuits to attract international travelers.
Destination Management : Strengthening infrastructure and services to improve visitor experiences.
Joint Marketing Initiatives : Promoting BIMSTEC as a unified tourism destination through collaborative campaigns.
Visa Facilitation : Exploring simplified visa processes to encourage seamless cross-border travel.
Annual BIMSTEC Travel and Tourism Mart : Establishing a recurring platform for showcasing regional tourism opportunities.

Exchange Programs : Encouraging knowledge-sharing and capacity-building among tourism professionals.
Discussions also aim to explore ways to enhance connectivity and promote niche tourism products, such as adventure, cultural, and eco-tourism, across the BIMSTEC region.

Expected Outcomes

The outcomes of the meeting are anticipated to strengthen public-private partnerships , improve destination management , and support seamless connectivity across the BIMSTEC region. These efforts will contribute to sustainable tourism growth, benefiting all member countries by attracting more international visitors and boosting local economies.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including members of the NTB Executive Committee, heads of tourism associations, and other key stakeholders, underscoring the collective commitment to advancing regional tourism.

Why This Matters

The BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators (BNTO) serves as a critical platform for fostering collaboration among member nations to promote tourism as a tool for economic development and cultural exchange. With Nepal at the helm of this initiative, the meeting underscores the country’s leadership in leveraging its natural and cultural assets to drive regional prosperity. As BIMSTEC countries work together to unlock their shared tourism potential, the region is poised to emerge as a globally competitive travel destination.