Kathmandu: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have jointly initiated discussions with stakeholders to develop a new five-year tourism strategy for Nepal, beginning on November 20.
This marks the first major strategic planning effort since 2015, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, and development partners to shape the future of the country’s tourism sector.
The consultations reviewed progress under UNDP’s Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), carried out in collaboration with NTB. Discussions centered on trail upgrades in remote regions, efforts to promote both domestic and international tourism, and emerging priorities for tourism marketing and product development.
Senior Director of NTB, Mani R. Lamichhane, noted that the talks aimed to determine the strategic direction on which the board should base its future plans. He expressed confidence that the discussions would help guide Nepal’s tourism trajectory.
Similarly, Rohini Khanal, Acting Director of NTB’s Tourism Marketing and Promotion Department, said the consultations focused on identifying strategies to advance Nepal’s tourism in the coming years. She highlighted that discussions were held on approaches to attract more tourists.
Dharma Dawadi, Project Manager of the Sustainable Tourism Project jointly run by NTB and UNDP, stated that NTB’s main objective is the global promotion of Nepal’s tourism. He said promotion efforts are being intensified and that stakeholders are working together on how to further organize and strengthen these initiatives.
NTB leadership emphasized that the consultations will guide Nepal’s strategic direction in attracting more visitors, enhancing services along national trekking routes, and promoting the country more effectively in global markets. The strategy will also support the upgrading of key trekking trails, including Api, Saipal, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga.
A new five-year tourism marketing plan is now being prepared, with stakeholders collaborating to build a more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive tourism industry for Nepal.
