Nepal Celebrates 47th World Tourism Day Highlighting Digital Transformation and Tourism ResilienceMonday, September 28th, 2026

Nepal observed the 47th World Tourism Day with a focus on digital transformation, AI, tourism resilience and enhanced cooperation among government, tourism institutions and private sector. The main program was jointly organized by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and tourism sector stakeholders. The event brought together policy makers, tourism institutions, industry representatives and development partners under this year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and AI to Redesign Tourism.”

Hon. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr.Khadak Raj Paudel (Ganess), addressing the program stressed the need for better inter-ministerial coordination, improved institutional capacity and sustained public-private collaboration to expedite Nepal’s tourism development. He said tourism cannot be promoted by one ministry’s efforts alone and called for coordinated action across government agencies. He also emphasized the need to strengthen the institutions related to tourism and improve service delivery as per the changing scenario of tourism. He recognized Nepal’s living cultural traditions, community based heritage and Himalayan resources as important foundations of tourism.

Mr.Santosh Pant, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, said the recent floods in Bhote Koshi are an important lesson for building a more resilient tourism sector. Given the difficult geography of Nepal and the challenge of developing physical infrastructure quickly during emergencies, he stressed the need to incorporate digital technology into tourism resilience and crisis preparedness.

“Digital systems can be used to keep tourists informed, provide early warnings and facilitate coordination during emergencies,” Pant said, highlighting the need for timely, reliable information, alternative access routes, safe infrastructure and stronger preparedness to protect visitor confidence and continuity of tourism.

Andrew Jones, Chairman, PATA Foundation and keynote speaker, highlighted Nepal’s geographical and cultural diversity, reiterating the Foundation’s continued support for tourism recovery from the Bhote Koshi floods. He emphasized the increasing importance of AI and digital media in marketing and supporting nature-based tourism, and announced that the PATA Foundation is administering a Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund to support tourism workers and businesses impacted by the floods, including guides, drivers, porters and other tourism-sector workers.

Prof. Dr. Sanjay Acharya, Member of National Planning Commission, Sumnima Udas, Chair of International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives and committee members Anushka Shrestha, Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki and Mingma Gyabu Sherpa shared perspectives on technology in tourism, employment protection, strengthening Nepal Airlines and ensuring visitors have access to verified and reliable information.

Continuing the theme of the day’s destination promotion agenda, NTB has released a new promotional video to enhance destination promotion of Nepal and showcase its diverse tourism experiences to domestic and international audiences.

The celebration also recognized the potential of tourism in the rural and community areas. VITOF-Nepal declared three villages as “Destination Villages of the Year” and Minister Paudel handed over certificates to the representatives. The initiative seeks to strengthen the link between rural communities, local culture, heritage and Nepal’s larger tourism economy.

Earlier in the morning, NTB officials led by Officiating CEO Santosh Pant welcomed visitors arriving on the first flight at Tribhuvan International Airport, celebrating World Tourism Day with a warm Nepalese welcome and placing the visitor experience at the center of the celebrations.

NTB Gandaki Province Office, in collaboration with the Pokhara Tourism Council, NATTA Gandaki Chapter and other tourism stakeholders in Pokhara, warmly welcomed the visitors arriving at Pokhara International Airport. NTB Gandaki Province Office also hosted visitors in the spirit of Pokhara, Nepal’s Tourism Capital, as a warm and welcoming gateway to the country.

From arrivals at the airport to policy dialogue, destination promotion to digital innovation, this year’s World Tourism Day came with a clear message that Nepal’s tourism future needs to be digitally connected, resilient, collaborative and above all human-centred.