Bandipur Hosts Village Tourism Mart 2026 to Boost Rural TourismFriday, May 1st, 2026

Tanahun: The “Village Tourism Mart 2026” officially commenced in the hill town of Bandipur often dubbed the “Queen of the Hills” on Friday, aiming to promote rural tourism in the international market and strengthen community-based sustainable tourism. The four-day event was inaugurated by Minister for Industry and Tourism Yashoda Rimal.
Ahead of the formal inauguration, a vibrant rally was organized in Bandipur Bazaar with the participation of 19 homestays representing 11 districts of Gandaki Province. The rally, featuring cultural displays and tableaux reflecting local heritage and tourism identity, set the tone for the main event. The program has drawn a diverse mix of domestic and international tourism entrepreneurs, stakeholders, media, and members of the local community.

Addressing the inaugural session, Minister Rimal expressed confidence that the tourism mart would not only promote local art and culture but also generate employment and income opportunities. “With the implementation of federalism, development has been decentralized in Nepal. Local governments have played a vital role in shaping their communities,” she said. “A strong village forms the foundation of overall prosperity, and tourism is a key driver in strengthening rural economies. It is essential to connect local communities with tourism to create sustainable livelihoods.”

Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted the growing global trend of community-based tourism and emphasized Nepal’s need to capitalize on it. “There is a rising demand for immersive experiences and meaningful engagement with local communities,” he said. “We are working to expand tourism awareness, promote exploration, and strengthen practical approaches. It is equally important to pass on our traditional skills and indigenous knowledge to future generations.” He also thanked Bandipur Rural Municipality and all partner organizations for their collaboration and praised the initiative.
Narendra Dev Bhatt, a board member of the Nepal Tourism Board, noted that rural tourism has always been a priority for the organization. “Rural tourism represents Nepal’s authentic identity, and such initiatives are crucial to further strengthen it,” he stated.
Surendra Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, said the mart was organized to promote local culture and tourism. “This initiative will play a significant role in enhancing Bandipur’s tourism appeal,” he said, adding that efforts such as “village safari” have helped connect tourists to homestays and integrate rural tourism circuits.

During the event, it was announced that the next edition of the Village Tourism Mart will be held in Gorkha. Bandipur Rural Municipality formally handed over the event flag to Gorkha Municipality. Accepting the flag, Mayor Krishna Bahadur Rana Magar pledged to make the upcoming edition a success. “Historically significant Gorkha has been somewhat overshadowed in recent years. This tourism mart will help bring it back into the spotlight,” he said, inviting travelers to visit the region.
Shobha Sapkota, Chair of the Village Tourism Promotion Forum, Gandaki, extended gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in making the event possible. Organizers believe the initiative will elevate rural tourism to new heights.
The four-day program, running from April 29 to May 2, includes immersive activities designed to showcase rural life and culture. On the first two days, participants visited community homestays in Rumsi and Ramkot of Byas Municipality–14, Tanahun, marking the first time a “safari-style” rural exploration has been introduced in Nepal. The visits were coordinated by a team led by local tourism entrepreneur Basanta Paudel, offering guests firsthand experiences of village life.
The second day featured sightseeing tours of Bandipur’s प्रमुख attractions along with a cultural evening highlighting local traditions and cuisine. Friday’s agenda included the official inauguration, followed by business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking sessions aimed at fostering partnerships and expanding tourism opportunities. The event will conclude on Saturday with a closing and farewell ceremony.
Photo Courtesy: Pradeep Shrestha

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