Kathmandu: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) concluded its participation at MATKA 2026, the Nordic region’s largest travel fair, held from 15 to 18 January 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Finland.
Nepal’s presence at the prestigious event further strengthened its positioning as a leading destination for adventure, nature-based, cultural, and sustainable tourism among Nordic travelers. Moreover, Nepal was showcased through a dedicated national pavilion that attracted strong interest from visitors, travel professionals, and tour operators seeking authentic and responsible travel experiences.
The pavilion featured the participation of leading Nepali tourism companies, including Asian Adventure Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Windows Pvt. Ltd., Snowy Horizon Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Goreto Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Earthbound Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Guides Nepal Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., The Everest Holiday, Queen Bee Travel Assistance, and Wonderland Travels Nepal.
These companies actively promoted a diverse range of tourism products, from trekking and mountaineering to cultural tours and tailor-made experiences, reflecting Nepal’s year-round tourism potential.
Throughout the fair, NTB and participating companies engaged in extensive interactions with Nordic travel trade representatives and consumers, addressing growing interest in connectivity, travel seasons, sustainability, and experiential tourism. Nepal continued to draw attention as a preferred destination for Finnish and Nordic travelers, particularly for trekking, mountaineering, outdoor adventures, and culturally immersive journeys.
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to Nepal’s participation, a special Nepali cultural performance was organized on the central stage of the fair in association with the Nepal Finland Society. The performance showcased Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, drawing large audiences and enhancing Nepal’s visibility among international visitors, while fostering people-to-people and cultural ties between Nepal and Finland.
As part of the fair’s special sessions, Mr. Nabin Pokharel, Senior Manager at the Nepal Tourism Board, delivered a presentation on sustainable tourism practices in Nepal. The presentation highlighted Nepal’s commitment to responsible tourism, community-based initiatives, environmental conservation, and the promotion of sustainable travel models that benefit both local communities and visitors.
Moreover, the session resonated strongly with the Nordic audience, where sustainability remains a key consideration in travel decision-making.
NTB’s participation at MATKA 2026 is expected to further strengthen tourism cooperation with Finland and the wider Nordic region, open new avenues for business partnerships, and enhance Nepal’s image as a destination that seamlessly blends adventure, culture, and sustainability. The successful completion of MATKA 2026 reaffirms Nepal Tourism Board’s continued efforts to promote Nepal in key international markets and to position the country as a high-value, responsible, and experiential travel destination.
