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The 5th edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2025) concluded on a triumphant note in Kathmandu, earning high praise from the global tourism community. Drawing more than 700 participants from 30 countries—including over 100 international delegates—the event underscored Nepal’s growing significance as a premier destination for travel trade and tourism collaboration.
Centered around the theme "Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum," HTM 2025 commemorated the 50th anniversary of the PATA Nepal Chapter while setting new standards for cross-border partnerships and sustainable tourism growth.
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Held from June 3rd to 5th at The Soaltee Kathmandu, the mart brought together a distinguished gathering of international buyers, sellers, media, tourism professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders. The enthusiastic participation reaffirmed HTM’s position as the Himalayan region’s premier travel trade platform, further strengthening Nepal’s identity as the Gateway to the Himalayas.
Organized by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and various public and private sector partners, HTM 2025 featured an engaging blend of B2B meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, cultural events, and destination showcases. The mart provided an ideal setting for business development and experience-based tourism promotion.
The mart was inaugurated on June 3rd by Hon. Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. In his keynote address, the Minister celebrated Nepal’s enduring identity as a Himalayan gateway, honored the twin milestones of PATA Nepal’s Golden Jubilee and the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Annapurna, and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism future through strong public-private partnerships and global cooperation. He also applauded the cultural performance by Nepali artists, commending HTM as a powerful platform not only for tourism promotion but also as a source of inspiration for heritage conservation.
Mr. Khem Lakai, Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter, welcomed all delegates to the 5th Himalayan Travel Mart and expressed optimism about Nepal’s growing stature as a year-round travel destination while emphasizing the need for cross-border tourism alliances.
Mr Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted Nepal’s vision for sustainable tourism, with a focus on developing new circuits and unique experiences for international travellers.
Veteran tourism entrepreneur and founder of KGH Group, Mr. Karna Sakya, delivered an insightful keynote on the central theme “Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum,” sharing decades of wisdom and deep reflections on the evolution of Nepal’s tourism.
Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Immediate Past Chair of the PATA Nepal Chapter, extended the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all partners and participants for their support in making HTM 2025 a resounding success.
Pre-Mart Experiences and FAM Trips
From May 30 to June 2, international delegates explored the depth of Nepal’s tourism offerings via Pre-Mart Familiarization Trips (FAM Trips) to key destinations including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Dhulikhel, and Panauti. These immersive experiences spanned heritage, wildlife, wellness, spirituality, community-based tourism and adventure—highlighting Nepal’s multifaceted appeal.
HTM Conference and B2B Marketplace
The HTM Conference, held on June 3rd, convened national and international thought leaders for engaging discussions on topics such as Spiritual, Adventure, and Luxury Tourism, Cultural Intelligence, Sustainability, Market Trends, and Emerging Opportunities in global tourism.
On June 4 and 5, the B2B Mart facilitated over 2,100 pre-scheduled appointments between 60 international buyers from 21 countries and 70 sellers from 6 different countries—resulting in robust business leads and future tourism partnerships.
Networking & Social Functions
A series of evening events hosted by industry partners—including Banbas, Landmark Hotels & Resorts, Bagaicha Adventure Resort, Jungle Safari Lodge, Hotel Jungle Crown, Royal Tiger Luxury Resort (Chitwan), Majestic Lake Front Hotel & Suites, Hotel Sarowar (Pokhara), and Holiday Inn Resort Kathmandu Budhanilkantha—provided meaningful networking opportunities in a warm and culturally immersive Nepali ambience.
Grand Closing Celebration
HTM 2025 concluded with a Grand Closing Ceremony at Lord of the Drinks (LOD), Kathmandu, where international delegates and Nepali tourism professionals came together for a celebratory evening filled with music, dance, and friendship. The evening was a vibrant showcase of Nepal’s warm hospitality and its readiness to welcome the world in all seasons and for all reasons.
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A Collective Effort
The 5th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2025) received generous support from a wide range of partners and organizations across the public and private sectors, including:
Organizing Partner: Nepal Tourism Board
Official Airline Partner: Nepal Airlines Corporation
Official Hotel & Event Venue: The Soaltee Kathmandu
Global Payment Partner (Powered by): VISA
Communication Partner (Connected by): Ncell
Health Partner: CIWEC Hospital & Travel Medicine Center
International Airline Partner: Turkish Airlines
Domestic Airline Partner: Buddha Air
Spirituality Experience Partner: Manakamana Cable Car
Adventure Partner: HighGround Adventures Nepal
24/7 Assistance Partner: Alpine Rescue Service
Sustainability Partner: Sustainable Tourism Project (STP)
New Featured Destination: Jugal Rural Municipality
Association Partner: Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals (GAEHP)
Partners in Transformation: Import Promotion Desk (IPD)
Conservation Partner: WWF Nepal
International Media Partner: Travel and Tour World (TTW)
Supporting Partners: Lord of the Drinks (LOD), Amaya Sojourns, Going Nepal, and Carlsberg
Professional Congress Organizer (PCO): Event Solution
Creative Partners: Samma Arts and Anigraphy Studio
Premium Hospitality Partner: Hilton Kathmandu
Hospitality Partners included: Kantipur Temple House, Kantipur Village, Barahi Hospitality & Leisure, Bagaicha, Hotel Crowne Imperial, Hotel Moonlight Kathmandu, Manang Hotel & Spa, Holiday Inn Resort Kathmandu Budhanilkantha, Banbas, Landmark Hotels & Resorts, Bagaicha Adventure Resort, Jungle Safari Lodge, Hotel Jungle Crown, Royal Tiger Luxury Resort, Temple Bell Boutique Hotel & Spa, Majestic Lake Front Hotel & Suites, Temple Himalaya Hotel & Spa, and Hotel Sarowar.
Himalayan Travel Mart 2025 has once again highlighted Nepal’s resilience, innovation, and spirit of collaboration in the global tourism landscape. As the country moves forward, the energy and inspiration drawn from Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum will continue to inspire and drive Nepal's tourism forward.
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