Fifth Edition of Himalayan Travel Mart Kicks Off in KathmanduTuesday, June 3rd, 2025

The fifth edition of the international tourism trade fair Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM) commenced on June 3, 2025 at Hotel Soaltee, Kathmandu, with the primary aim of promoting Nepal as a premier tourism destination in global markets.

Organized jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, Nepal Airlines, and other prominent national and international tourism organizations and partners, HTM 2025 has attracted significant participation. Over 700 delegates, including more than 100 international guests from over 30 countries, are attending the event.

On the opening day, a high-level conference was held under the theme “Mountain Milestone and Momentum”, focusing on critical reflections and innovations in mountain tourism.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted the importance of HTM in building a strong foundation for sustainable and long-term tourism development in Nepal. “HTM provides an excellent platform to introduce Nepal’s evolving destinations to the world,” he remarked, adding, “Thirty years ago, rural Nepal comprised around 70% of the tourism experience; today, with rapid urbanization, it is nearly balanced. However, true tourism continues to be rooted in nature.”

Prominent international tourism leaders also addressed the gathering. Mr. Andrew John, senior executive of PATA, and Mr. Shahid Hamid, Chair of PATA Bangladesh Chapter, shared regional insights. Nepali actress Nisha Dixit also marked her presence as a goodwill ambassador.

Mr. Narender Dev Bhattarai, General Secretary of PATA Nepal Chapter and HTM 2025 Coordinator, stated that a strong network has been created within international source markets. “Since its inception in 2017, HTM has become Nepal’s flagship international tourism trade event, offering unique business networking and professional development opportunities,” he said.

HTM 2025 will feature more than 20 speakers, both national and international, who will explore common themes across spiritual, adventure, and luxury tourism, sustainable tourism, market trends, emerging issues, and tourism opportunities.

Under the B2B program, over 60 international buyers from the United States, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Russia, and the CIS region are participating. They will engage in meetings with 65 sellers from Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

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