NEPAL TO UNVEIL DIVERSE TOURISM PRODUCTS AT OTM MUMBAI 2026Thursday, February 5th, 2026

KATHMANDU, NEPAL – Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)is officially participating in the Nepal Pavilion at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) Mumbai 2026. This year, Nepal’s presence is more significant than ever, with 34 prominent tourism companies representing the country at Asia’s leading travel trade show, held at the Jio World Convention Centre from February 5-7, 2026.

History of OTM and Nepal’s Participation

OTM Mumbai stands as the gateway to India’s largest outbound travel market, attracting thousands of travel professionals, tour operators, hoteliers, and destination management companies from across the globe. For decades, it has served as a critical meeting point for global travel stakeholders, facilitating business partnerships worth millions of dollars annually and shaping travel trends across Asia.

Nepal has a storied history with OTM, having participated consistently for over 25 years. Throughout this remarkable journey, Nepal has successfully transitioned from being perceived solely as a spiritual and trekking destination to a multifaceted hub for luxury tourism, adventure sports, wellness retreats, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

This year’s contingent of 34 companies represents a comprehensive spectrum of tourism offerings, from ultra-luxury mountain resorts and heritage hotels to specialized adventure outfitters and sophisticated DMCs capable of handling large-scale corporate events.

Nepal’s pavilion is consistently recognized for its cultural authenticity and is a perennial favorite among Indian trade visitors. The pavilion has won multiple awards for best destination showcase and most engaging cultural presentation, establishing Nepal as one of the most anticipated exhibitors at the annual event.

Tourism Sector Demonstrates Resilience Post Gen-Z Movement

Following the recent Gen-Z Movement, Nepal’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience, with visitor arrivals rebounding strongly and tourism operations functioning at full capacity across all destinations.

Indian tourists continue to lead arrivals, drawn by recent festivals and cultural events like Pokhara Street Festival, and preparations for Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath temple. All trekking routes, adventure activities, heritage sites, and tourism services are operating seamlessly, with enhanced safety measures and 24/7 tourist support systems in place. The Indian travelers shows higher interest to visit Nepal and increment of 30% growth on January 2026 compared to January 2025.

“The democratic expression of our youth has concluded peacefully, and Nepal stands ready to welcome the world with the same warmth and hospitality that has defined us for centuries,” affirmed Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board. “Our participation at OTM Mumbai 2026 with 34 leading companies reaffirms our commitment to the Indian market and showcases Nepal as a stable, safe, and extraordinary destination.”

Pathways and Payments: Strengthening Indo-Nepal Strategic Connectivity

Nepal shares an extensive 1,850 km open border with India, featuring several vital road and air transit points. Major land gateways include Belahiya (Sunauli), Kakarbhitta (Panitanki), Jogbani (Biratnagar), Raxaul (Birgunj), Gaddachauki (Mahendranagar/Banbasa), and Rupaidiha (Nepalgunj). These crossings facilitate the movement of thousands of tourists and goods daily, bolstered by modern Integrated Check Posts (ICPs). Complementing this is a air network, with Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu serving as the primary hub for daily direct flights to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Varanasi via carriers such as Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, Air India(Express) and IndiGo.

​Economically, the two nations are linked by a decades-old monetary arrangement where the Nepali Rupee (NPR) is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR) at a fixed exchange rate of 1.60. This stability is now mirrored in the digital landscape; following a landmark 2024 agreement between the NPCI and Fonepay, Indian travelers can seamlessly make retail payments in Nepal using UPI-enabled apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and BHIM. By scanning Fonepay QR codes at over a million merchant locations—ranging from local tea stalls to high-end resorts—Indian visitors can bypass the traditional hassle of carrying physical cash or seeking currency exchange services.

Significance of the Indian Tourist Market

India remains Nepal’s most vital tourism partner, accounting for approximately 25-30% of total international arrivals annually. The proximity, shared cultural heritage, deep-rooted religious connections, and ease of travel—facilitated by the open border and increasing flight frequencies—make Indian travelers the backbone of Nepal’s tourism economy.

In 2025, Nepal welcomed over 293,000 Indian tourist arrivals, a figure that represents steady growth from previous years. Indian visitors contribute significantly not only in numbers but also in spending patterns, with increasing segments opting for premium experiences, luxury accommodations, and extended stays.

In 2026, the focus remains on tapping into the high-spending Indian segment, particularly targeting metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and emerging Tier-2 cities where disposable incomes are rising rapidly. Nepal is leveraging to offer seamless access to luxury resorts, casino tourism, sacred pilgrimage circuits, and adventure hubs without the need to transit through Kathmandu, via roadways too.

“The Indian market is not just our largest source market; it is our most strategic partner in tourism development,” stated Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board. “We share more than a border—we share cultural values, religious heritage, and a vision for sustainable tourism growth that benefits communities on both sides.”

Strategic Focus Areas for Indian Market

As the sacred homeland of Lord Pashupatinath, Mata Janaki, and Muktinath, Nepal beckons spiritual seekers from across the globe. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as the world’s preeminent peace destination, drawing millions who seek enlightenment and tranquility. Blessed by centuries of great spiritual masters, thinkers, sages, and munis, Nepal remains a living testament to timeless spiritual wisdom, offering visitors not just a journey through landscapes, but a transformative passage through the soul of ancient spirituality.

This year’s OTM participation emphasizes several strategic focus areas tailored specifically for Indian travelers:

Religious and Pilgrimage Tourism: With destinations like Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Janaki Temple, and Lumbini, Nepal continues to strengthen its position as a premier spiritual destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from India. Nepal is a profound spiritual hub, home to sacred circuits that bridge multiple faiths. It hosts the Ramayana Circuit (connecting Janakpur) and the high-altitude Muktinath Circuit for Hindus, the Maya Devi Heritage Route in Lumbini for Buddhists, and historic trails in Kathmandu marking the travels of Guru Nanak for Sikhs.

Weekend Getaways: Positioning Nepal as an ideal short-break destination from major Indian cities, with packages ranging from 2-4 days focusing on Kathmandu Valley heritage sites, Pokhara’s natural beauty, and Chitwan’s wildlife experiences.

Luxury and Wellness: Showcasing Nepal’s growing portfolio of luxury mountain resorts, boutique heritage properties, and wellness retreats that cater to affluent Indian travelers seeking premium experiences.

Adventure Tourism: Promoting activities beyond trekking, including paragliding, ultra-light flights, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, mountain biking, and heli-tours to Everest Base Camp.

MICE Tourism: Highlighting Nepal’s emerging capabilities in hosting corporate events, incentive trips, and international conferences, with world-class venues in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Wedding and Honeymoon Destinations: Marketing Nepal’s stunning mountain backdrops, luxury resorts, and unique cultural experiences as ideal settings for destination weddings and romantic honeymoons.

Participating Companies (OTM 2026)

A total of 34 specialized companies are showcasing the best of Nepal’s hospitality and adventure at Stall No. P-K100, representing a comprehensive cross-section of Nepal’s tourism industry:

Conclusion

Nepal’s presence at OTM Mumbai 2026 represents more than just a trade show participation—it symbolizes the enduring bond between two neighboring nations and the shared commitment to sustainable tourism development that benefits communities on both sides of the border. With unprecedented diversity in tourism offerings, improved infrastructure, and a clear focus on quality experiences, Nepal is poised to strengthen its position as India’s preferred international destination.

Nepal is not just a destination; it’s an experience that combines adventure, spirituality, culture, and natural beauty in ways that resonate deeply with Indian travelers. The coming years promise to deepen this relationship, creating opportunities for growth, partnership, and mutual prosperity in the tourism sector.

For further details, please visit the Nepal Pavilion at Stall No. P-K100 or visit our official trade portal at trade.ntb.gov.np.

Media Contact:
Nepal Tourism Board
Email: info@ntb.org.np
Website: www.ntb.gov.np
Trade Portal: trade.ntb.gov.np
Phone: +977-1-5356909

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