Nepal urges Bangladeshis to keep visiting amid tourism recovery

DHAKA: Nepal has urged Bangladeshi travellers to continue visiting the Himalayan country, saying its tourism sector is recovering from the impact of recent flash floods and remains open to visitors.

“Nepal is resilient and Nepal is open,” Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari said at a tourism promotion and cultural programme organised by the embassy in Dhaka yesterday.

The programme, titled Nepal is Calling: Your Neighbour, Your Next Destination, was organised on the sidelines of the 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF), being held in Dhaka from September 17 to 19.

Highlighting tourism and people-to-people contacts as important areas of cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh, Ambassador Bhandari spoke about the impact of the recent flash floods on Nepal’s tourism industry.

He stressed the resilience of the sector and encouraged Bangladeshi tourists to continue travelling to Nepal as an expression of support and solidarity.

“Nepal’s tourism industry is recovering; Nepal is resilient; and Nepal is open,” the ambassador said.

Deputy Chief of Mission Pratik Karki made a presentation on Nepal’s diverse tourism offerings, including adventure, cultural and spiritual tourism, wellness and emerging areas such as medical tourism.

He said Nepal should not be viewed merely as a destination to visit, but also as a place to experience, connect with and create lasting memories.

Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) President Mohammed Hanif and Asian Tourism Fair Chairman Mohiuddin Helal also spoke at the programme.

Pramod Dahal, representing the participating Nepali delegation, highlighted Nepal’s efforts to revive the tourism sector following the recent flash floods.

The programme featured folk cultural performances from both Nepal and Bangladesh. A raffle draw was also held, with prizes including holiday packages sponsored by participating Nepali tour and travel agencies.

Nepal is participating in ATF 2026 with a 10-member delegation comprising representatives of tour operators and travel agencies.

Representatives of travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and airlines, along with key stakeholders from Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sectors, attended the programme.