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Lalitpur, Nepal | 1 June 2026
The sixth edition of Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2026), organised by PATA Nepal Chapter in association with Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal’s premier international travel and tourism trade event, officially commenced on 1 June at The Plaza, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, welcoming delegates, industry leaders, tourism professionals, media representatives, buyers, sellers, influencers, and distinguished guests from more than 27 countries.
The four-day event, taking place from 1-4 June 2026, began with registration and networking sessions, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue, business opportunities, partnerships, and knowledge exchange among tourism stakeholders from Nepal, the Himalayan region, and beyond.
The “Insight Forum” commenced with the National Anthem of Nepal, followed by welcome remarks from Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter. The opening of the HTM 2026 Insight Forum was marked by remarks from Hon. Sumnima Udas, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the International Relations and Tourism Committee.
A keynote presentation titled “The Future of Adventure Travel in Asia: Trends, Opportunities, and Nepal’s Competitive Edge” was delivered by Ms. Hannah Pearson, Regional Director, Asia Pacific of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), highlighting emerging trends and opportunities shaping the future of adventure tourism across the region.
Special remarks were delivered by H.E. Dr. Danielle Meuwly, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, and agreement between The Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal and PATA Nepal Chapter for “Developing a Tourism Crisis Management Handbook for Nepalese Tourism Stakeholders” was announced by Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter, Mr. Khem Lakai, followed by an engaging presentation, “Nepal through the Eyes of an Explorer,” by British travel vlogger Jack Dai (Jack Turner), who shared authentic travel experiences and stories from his journeys across Nepal.
One of the key highlights of the day was Plenary Session 1: “Tourism Sustainability: Bridging Generations – Then and Now,” which brought together prominent voices from Nepal’s tourism sector and international experts to discuss the evolution of sustainable tourism practices and the path forward.
The session featured Ms. Lisa Choegyal, Marketing Director of Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge; Mr. Sunil Sakya, Chairman of KGH Group of Hotels & Resorts; Mr. Bharat Basnet, Founder of The Explore Nepal Group; Mr. Vivek Nath Pyakuryal, CEO of Nana Group; and Ms. Nora Eichkorn, Sustainable Tourism Expert at IPD. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Romi Aryal, Executive Committee Member of PATA Nepal Chapter.
Complementing the discussions was a wellness session conducted by Himalayan Sound Healing, followed by a presentation titled “From Wellness to Wellbeing: Nepal’s Sustainable Tourism Journey” by Dr. Smrittee Kala Pant, Assistant Professor at Kathmandu University School of Management and Expert Member of PATA Nepal Chapter.
The programme continued with Plenary Session 2, focusing on Nepal’s growing potential as a destination for MICE and destination wedding tourism. Industry leaders explored opportunities to strengthen Nepal’s position in South Asia through strategic partnerships, improved aviation connectivity, and evolving regional travel trends.
The panel featured Mr. Amaresh Kumar Tiwari, Managing Director of Meetings and Incentives World; Mr. Shahid Hamid, Chairman of PATA Bangladesh Chapter; Mr. Rohini Khanal, Officiating Director of the Marketing Department at Nepal Tourism Board; Mr. Abdullah Tuncer Kececi, Country Manager (Mauritania) of Turkish Airlines; and Ms. Ashlesha Karki, Deputy Managing Director of Hotel Mechi Crown. The session was moderated by Mr. Upaul Majumdar, Head of Practice – Tourism at Dolma Consulting.
Further presentations included “Trekking in the Himalayas: Wellbeing and Preparedness” by Dr. Prativa Pandey, Medical Director of CIWEC Hospital & Travel Medicine Center; “Regenerative Tourism” by Mr. Aakash Shilpakar, Regenerative Tourism Coordinator at Prakriti Resort and Organic Farm; and “Karnali: A Proposed World Heritage River – Nepal’s Most Pristine and Last Free-Flowing River” by Mr. Megh Ale, Founder Chairman of Borderlands Nepal.
Another major discussion of the day was Plenary Session 3: “Easing Payments: Innovation, Inclusion & Integration,” powered by VISA. The session explored the transformative role of digital payment systems in tourism, commerce, and financial inclusion.
Speakers included Mr. Anand Jha, Vice President and Head of Government Engagement for India and South Asia at VISA Inc.; Mr. Roshan Regmi, Chief Information and Digital Officer of NMB Bank; and Ms. Karvika Thapa, Chief Executive Officer of Kimbu Tech. The session was moderated by fintech and digital payments strategist, Founder Mr. Sanjib Subba, Kathmandu Fintek.
Concluding the Insight Forum, former Nepal Tourism Board CEO Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi reflected on the day’s discussions, emphasising that the future of tourism extends beyond destinations to encompass sustainability, meaningful experiences, and lasting memories. He remarked, “Future travellers seek meaning, not just destination.”
The session concluded with vibrant Newa cultural performances and traditional baja presentations, celebrating Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
The evening inauguration ceremony welcomed Chief Guests Hon. Vidushi Rana, Member of the Federal Parliament of Nepal, and Hon. Krishna Man Dangol, Mayor of Kirtipur. The ceremony began with the National Anthem, followed by welcome remarks from Mr. Khem Lakai, Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter, and remarks by Mr. Santosh Pant, Senior Director of Corporate Services and Administration at Nepal Tourism Board.
The official inauguration was marked by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial Nepali lamp by the chief guests.
The first day concluded with a keynote address by Mr. Andrew Jones, Chair of the PATA Foundation, followed by remarks from Guest of Honour Mr. Anand Jha of VISA and Chief Guest Hon. Vidushi Rana. Mr. Narendra Bhatta, General Secretary of PATA Nepal Chapter, delivered the closing remarks before guests enjoyed another cultural performance and a networking dinner.
With insightful discussions, thought-provoking presentations, and meaningful interactions among tourism professionals from around the world, Day One of Himalayan Travel Mart 2026 successfully set the tone for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
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