Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, shares his insights on India as a vital market for Nepal in an exclusive interview with Kamal Gill, Editor-Publisher of Today’s Traveller. Highlighting the significance of this connection, he notes that 27.69% of Nepal’s air arrivals in 2024 came from India.
TT Bureau: Nepal has always been a popular travel destination among Indian travellers. Could you tell us about the new products and experiences that Nepal has to offer specifically for Indian travellers?
Deepak Raj Joshi: India is a key market for Nepal’s tourism. As per the official record, 27.69 per cent of total tourist arrivals in Nepal by air were from India in 2024. We have more than a million coming via land as well. That is a significant number. Our ties and people-to-people relations are deep.
Nature, culture and adventure activities in prime destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are popular among Indian tourists.
In recent years, Janakpur and Valmiki Ashram (that link to Ayodhya in the Ramayan Circuit), and Pathibhara Devi in East Nepal (linked to Kamakhya in Assam, India) have gained immense popularity.
Similarly, we have new destinations and products that could be of prime interest to Indian tourists. Nepal now has luxurious and plush properties across border cities.
It is also a preferred wedding destination, especially for young couples from India. We have welcomed this segment and are working together with the private sector to facilitate visitors who choose us for destination weddings.
Indian tourists arriving via land can enjoy major Terai experiences including jungles, national parks and the rich culture. Tourists can also drive further to the cooler mid-hills and mountain areas too. We remain dedicated to the Indian market, offering innovative packages prioritising their interest.
TT Bureau: Nepal is known for its rich cultural heritage. Could you highlight some unique experiences or lesser-known destinations in Nepal that would appeal to adventure lovers?
Deepak Raj Joshi: While earlier, tourists from India were more interested in cultural and spiritual activities, we now also have Indian holidaymakers who enjoy trekking, mountaineering and soft adventure activities.
Trekking in the Himalayan region like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang is most popular among seasoned trekkers. Hiking trails around popular destinations like Kathmandu and Pokhara have opened up new avenues for those with limited time to go to the mountains. Pokhara also offers ample opportunities for soft adventure activities like boating, canoeing, angling, paragliding, flights in ultralight aircraft or hot-air balloons, off-route driving, mountain biking etc.
Chitwan and Bardia have long been popular among Indian tourists. Lesser-known national parks like Banke, Shuklaphanta and Parsa also offer exciting jungle experiences.
TT Bureau: With sustainable tourism becoming increasingly important, what sustainable practices or initiatives is Nepal adopting to preserve its natural and cultural heritage?
Deepak Raj Joshi: Nepal is actively promoting sustainable tourism by focusing on environmental conservation, community empowerment, and cultural preservation.
We work with local governments and communities to ensure eco-friendly and responsible tourism that generates maximum benefit and minimal impacts. Community-based tourism initiatives like homestays, local events and festivals, use of local resources and manpower etc. are encouraged and supported. Tourism-related skills and capacity-enhancement training are provided to local communities.
We also collaborate with international organizations, NGOs, and private sectors to develop sustainable tourism practices and policies that balance economic benefits with environmental and social responsibilities.
TT Bureau: How do you envision the future of tourism in Nepal? Are there any upcoming developments or projects that our readers should look forward to?
Deepak Raj Joshi: Nepal envisions becoming a leading global destination for sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality tourism, leveraging its unique natural, cultural, and spiritual heritage. On our promotional front, regular presence and positioning in our primary source markets will be continued. On the back end, our focus is on creating experiential or immersive tourist experiences. Upgrading services, training human resources, and building resilience are integral parts of our tourism development programs.
We are also working closely with the private sector in this regard. Several new properties offering exclusive services and experiences have been built across Nepal. Similarly, mega infrastructure projects are in the pipeline that will facilitate tourist access and movements.
The arrival of international chain hotels in Nepal brings a wave of positive change, enhancing the tourism landscape and contributing to local economies. These hotels not only offer world-class amenities and services but also set new standards for hospitality, ensuring that visitors enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay.
With their presence, we can expect increased job opportunities for locals, fostering skill development and contributing to community growth. Additionally, international chains often engage in sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility initiatives, promoting environmental conservation and supporting local culture.
As these hotels attract a diverse range of tourists, they help boost Nepal’s global visibility as a travel destination, ultimately benefiting local businesses and artisans. This synergy between international hospitality and local charm creates a vibrant tourism ecosystem that celebrates Nepal’s unique heritage while providing guests with exceptional experiences. Exciting times lie ahead for Nepal’s tourism industry!
Read more: Today’s Traveller Interviews
