3rd BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators Meeting Kicks Off in KathmanduThursday, February 6th, 2025

Kathmandu, February 6, 2025 – Nepal is hosting the 3rd Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators (BNTO) in Kathmandu on February 6-7, bringing together tourism organizations and private stakeholders from BIMSTEC member countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Binod Prakash Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), and Mr. Si Thu Aung, Director of BIMSTEC. Secretary Binod Prakash Singh emphasized Nepal’s commitment to regional tourism collaboration, highlighting the country’s dedication to preserving and sharing its natural and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism. He noted that BIMSTEC offers a unique opportunity to enhance cross-border tourism and unlock shared cultural and natural assets.

Mr. Si Thu Aung, Director of BIMSTEC, stated, “Tourism is a vital economic sector for our region, and collaboration will allow us to harness the untapped potential within BIMSTEC. It will foster synergies, create long-term partnerships, and contribute to employment, revenue growth, cultural exchanges, and stronger people-to-people relations.”

Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of NTB expressed his enthusiasm for the meeting, emphasizing Nepal’s role in facilitating regional tourism and promoting the region’s rich heritage. He underlined the importance of this event as an opportunity for collaboration and strategy development.

Key agendas for the meeting include the operationalization of BIMSTEC Buddhist and Cruise Circuits, destination management, the promotion of regional tourism through initiatives such as joint marketing, exchange programs, and visa facilitation. Organizing BIMSTEC Travel and Tourism Mart annually is also in the agenda. Discussions also cover enhancing cross-border travel and exploring specialized tourist circuits.

The outcomes of the meeting are expected to strengthen public-private partnerships, improve tourism management, and support seamless connectivity across the BIMSTEC region, contributing to sustainable tourism growth.

Also present on the occasion were NTB Executive Committee Vice Chair and members, as well as heads of tourism associations.

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