24th May 2025, Kathmandu
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has stressed the urgent need for better infrastructure and improved air connectivity to promote Nepal’s tourism.
Nepal Tourism Growth Momentum
He made these remarks while speaking at the Third Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM), which started today in Kathmandu.
Nepal Airlines Needs a Boost
Dhakal pointed out that Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier, must become more effective. He said that improved connectivity is essential to attract more international tourists. According to him, the airline must upgrade its services and expand its routes.
Positioning Nepal as a Buddhist Travel Destination
He explained that Nepal has a unique opportunity to become a global center for Buddhist tourism. The BITM event, he said, helps position Nepal as a prime destination for spiritual travelers. Dhakal called for further improvement of the event and suggested turning it into a key brand for the country.
He emphasized Nepal’s location between two countries with large Buddhist populations—India and China. He believes many Buddhists from both nations are interested in visiting Nepal. Therefore, he suggested creating attractive travel packages and branding efforts to draw them in.
Building a Buddhist Circuit
Dhakal proposed the development of a cross-border Buddhist Circuit. This would link Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, with other Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal and India. He believes this initiative can bring in large numbers of religious tourists.
He added, “We should encourage Buddhists around the world to visit Lumbini at least once in their lifetime.” If Nepal can spread this message, it could lead to a big rise in visitor numbers and a major boost to the tourism sector.
International Airports Must Operate Fully
Despite spending billions of rupees to build international airports in Gautam Buddha and Pokhara, they are not yet fully operational. Dhakal urged the government to take firm action and ensure these airports function at full capacity.
He noted that private investors saw the potential of Lumbini and invested heavily, expecting increased tourism through these airports. But delays in airport operations have increased the risk of financial loss. He warned that the same issue applies to Pokhara airport. Therefore, the government must act quickly and responsibly.
Lumbini as a Wellness Destination
Dhakal also talked about the potential for wellness and spiritual tourism in Lumbini. He described Lumbini as a peaceful place ideal for meditation and mindfulness sessions.
“In today’s fast-paced world, people are looking for peace and stress relief,” he said. Lumbini’s calm atmosphere can attract tourists seeking wellness experiences. Dhakal encouraged the creation of new wellness programs that promote health and spiritual growth.
Cutting Airfare Costs
Another key concern Dhakal raised was Nepal’s high airfare. He criticized the government for adding VAT to airline tickets, which makes flying even more expensive. He urged officials to review and reduce these costs. Lower airfare, he argued, would encourage more tourists to visit.
Promoting Conference and Wedding Tourism
Dhakal also suggested that Nepal has strong potential in conference and wedding tourism. He highlighted that Nepal can be a great destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). In addition, it can attract tourists for destination weddings and cultural events.
Changing Currency Limits for Indian Tourists
Currently, Indian tourists can bring only INR 25,000 when visiting Nepal. Dhakal said this rule is outdated, especially because around 150 million middle-class Indians live near Nepal’s border. These tourists are ready to spend more.
He recommended changing the rule to allow Indian visitors to bring up to USD 5,000, just like tourists from other countries. This adjustment would make travel more convenient and attractive for Indian tourists, and increase their spending in Nepal.
Collaboration for Tourism Growth
Dhakal urged both the government and private sector to work together to unlock the full potential of Nepal’s tourism. He believes the country has vast opportunities to grow the industry. If all parties collaborate, tourism can contribute significantly to Nepal’s economy.
Appeal to Foreign Investors
Finally, Dhakal called on foreign investors to explore opportunities in Nepal’s tourism sector. He said Nepal offers plenty of untapped potential for growth and innovation in hospitality, transportation, and cultural tourism. With the right support, Nepal could become a major travel destination in South Asia.
Conclusion
Chandra Prasad Dhakal’s speech at BITM 2025 laid out a clear vision for Nepal’s tourism future. His key message was that infrastructure, smart policy, and branding are vital to turn Nepal into a global tourism hub. By acting on his suggestions, Nepal could see a significant rise in tourist arrivals and economic benefits.
For more: Nepal Tourism Growth Momentum