Himalayan Travel Mart 2026 begins

Lalitpur, Nepal – The sixth edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM) commenced on Monday, drawing tourism stakeholders from across the globe to bolster Nepal's image as a premier travel destination and to identify emerging opportunities within the sector. The event has convened over 100 international delegates from 27 countries, including 75 global buyers and representatives from more than 80 exhibiting organizations.

Organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter under the theme “New Frontiers in Tourism,” the mart is designed to strengthen business connections between Nepalese tourism entrepreneurs and international buyers. It also serves as a platform to examine the latest trends influencing the global tourism industry. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, highlighted the rapid transformation of the global tourism landscape, urging Nepal to leverage the increasing demand for sustainable, regenerative, wellness-focused, and authentic travel experiences.

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We are not only seeking to increase tourist arrivals but also to develop sustainable, inclusive and community-friendly tourism.

Budal emphasized that Nepal's unique natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance position it distinctively in the international market. "We are not only seeking to increase tourist arrivals but also to develop sustainable, inclusive and community-friendly tourism," he stated. This year, the organizers introduced the HTM Insight Forum, replacing the traditional one-day conference, to encourage more in-depth dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among participants. Budal also pointed to the hospitality and warmth of the Nepalese people as the country's most significant tourism asset, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Recognized as a leading global destination for adventure tourism, Nepal offers activities such as trekking, mountaineering, rafting, paragliding, and mountain biking, solidifying its status as an adventure travel hub. The mart's discussions will encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including adventure tourism, sustainability, wellness tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, destination weddings, digital payment systems, and regenerative tourism. Organizers anticipate that the event will generate new business prospects, expand international partnerships, and further enhance Nepal's global tourism presence.

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Nepal’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance have given the country a unique position in the international tourism market.