Women’s Participation in Tourism in the Digital AgeSunday, April 20th, 2025

An interaction program titled “Women in Nepali Tourism in the Digital Age” was organised by Nepal Tourism Board on April 19, 2025, in Kathmandu. The event was graced by the Honourable Minister Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, as the chief guest. Representatives from various ministries of the Government of Nepal, the private sector, tourism entrepreneurs, mountaineers, planners, and subject experts shared their views on empowering women through digital inclusion to enrich the tourism sector.
Minister Pandey expressed a strong commitment to prioritising women’s entrepreneurship in tourism through relevant policies and programs. He emphasised that empowering rural women through digital literacy could transform them into the backbone of the tourism economy.
Geeta Kumari Paudel Adhikari, member of the National Planning Commission, noted that the 16th National Plan gives priority to integrating tourism and technology, while pointing out that the lack of digital access continues to hold women back.
Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted the need for not just numerical but qualitative participation of women in tourism. Mr. Ram Prasad Sapkota, Vice Chairperson, stressed the importance of enabling women in self-employment, leadership, and financial access.
Ms. Laxmi Kumari Basnet, Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, observed that although women’s participation appears high, they remain concentrated in low-paying sectors. She emphasised the need for empowerment through digital skills, financial literacy, and branding.
Ms. Yuviika Raj Bhandari from NATA (Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents) remarked that tourism remains incomplete without women’s participation and underlined the need for policy-level interventions to bridge the digital divide. Ms. Nirmala Dhamala from the Women Tourism Entrepreneurs Network pointed out the necessity of making digital training mandatory.
During the panel discussion, Ms. Bandana Rana – former FNCCI President, Ms. Meena Baral – founder of Bungee Nepal, Dr. Preeti Bisht – medical tourism expert, Ms. Chhoki Sherpa – mountaineer, and Ms. Archana Shrestha – Deputy Director General of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, among others, shared their insights and experiences.
In closing remarks, Mr. Laxman Gautam, Senior Manager of the Nepal Tourism Board, thanked all participants and affirmed the Board’s commitment to implementing the valuable ideas and suggestions shared during the program.
This interaction has revealed the potential for women-led, prosperous tourism in the digital age and highlighted the critical need for strong women’s participation from policy-making to practical implementation.

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