Kathmandu: The three-day Cross-Border Tourism Conclave kicked off in Nepalgunj on December 19, aiming to facilitate tourism movement between Nepal and India and increase the arrival of Indian tourists. The event is organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and coordinated by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Banke Chapter, bringing together tourism professionals, policymakers, security agencies, and stakeholders from both countries.
The conclave was inaugurated by Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Prashant Bista, who highlighted Nepalgunj’s importance in religious tourism and stressed the need for coordinated efforts by local authorities, the private sector, and central bodies to attract Indian tourists.
The first panel discussion focused on strengthening cross-border tourism connectivity. Participants, including NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi, former Nepalgunj mayor Dhawal Shamsher Rana, Banke Superintendent of Police Angur GC, and former NATTA Banke chairman Shriram Sigdel, discussed challenges such as unnecessary restrictions, lengthy security checks, and other obstacles discouraging tourists. The panel emphasized that Nepalgunj is not just a transit city but a gateway to Karnali and the Far West, highlighting its potential as a tourism hub.
Security officials, led by SP Angur GC, acknowledged border challenges and committed to making police services more tourist-friendly, including plans to digitize border security checks.
NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi noted the region’s vast tourism potential, particularly in wedding tourism, wellness, and wildlife tourism, and highlighted improvements in the payment system for tourists. Shriram Sigdel proposed direct Delhi–Nepalgunj flights and emphasized resolving tourism obstacles through cross-border cooperation. Former mayor Dhawal Shumsher Rana underlined easing border issues and promoting Nepalgunj’s tourism potential as key priorities.
Indian tour operators also shared concerns, including overcharging for flights and the need to overcome perceptions of Nepal from the Indian side. Participants suggested developing religious tourism circuits like Pashupatinath–Kedarnath, Janakpur–Ayodhya, and Lumbini–Bodh Gaya to boost tourism.
The conclave features 32 stalls, a B2B session, policy discussions, cultural programs, and a jungle safari in Banke National Park. NATTA Banke Chapter President Dilliraj Regmi described the conclave as an effective platform to promote cross-border tourism and strengthen Nepal–India tourism cooperation.
