Nepal, India Tourism Ties Boosted with Mechinagar AgreementFriday, April 11th, 2025

Mechinagar, Koshi Province – April 8, 2025
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and Eastern Himalaya Tour and Travel Operators Association (EHTTOA) signed an agreement on Tuesday in Mechinagar. The agreement signing ceremony, which was attended by Nepalese and Indian tourism stakeholders, was facilitated by the NTB.

The memorandum aims at enhancing more cooperation between NATTA and EHTTOA to develop tourism, particularly in eastern Nepal. The Siliguri corridor, which connects eastern Nepal and India, allows cross-border movement as well as enhance tourism. The region is culturally and historically related, including religious destinations and festivals, which can be developed under joint tourism initiatives.

The memorandum also envisages joint marketing, packages, and better infrastructure. Transport connections and facilities at border crossing points should facilitate tourists and enhance visitor exchanges.

The local population is also within the targeting scope. Homestays, handicraft bazaars, and escorted tours can aid culture preservation, benefit small businesses, and spread tourism benefits more widely.

EHTTOA General Secretary Debasish Chakraborty said the Nepal-India tourism project would be useful for both countries, especially in eastern Nepal. He cited spots like Sandakphu and Maimajua village as adventure tourism destinations.

Surya Thapalia, Senior Manager of Nepal Tourism Board, told that NTB and EHTTOA have been working together since 2015. He continued that the new agreement would assist the government of Nepal in developing tourism in the eastern region.

There were 35 NATTA (Koshi) members and 100 EHTTOA members present at the event. The MoU is an extension of another MoU signed in July 2018 that provided jobs generation, increased market access, and additional tourists for the region.

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