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Skål International Nepal, successfully commenced its tourism promotion initiative in Chitwan, in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board and Bharatpur Metropolitan City aimed at highlighting the region’s wildlife, cultural heritage and community-driven conservation efforts. The program was proudly supported by flight partner Buddha Air Nepal and hosted by River Bank Jungle Resort and several esteemed hotels and resorts in the Chitwan region.
The journey began with the arrival of Skål International Nepal members and representatives at Tribhuvan International Airport, marking the start of an exciting exploration. Thanks to Buddha Air Nepal, the delegation enjoyed a smooth flight to Bharatpur Airport, where the vibrant experience of Chitwan awaited.
Upon arrival in Sauraha, participants were warmly welcomed with a cultural showcase hosted by Siddhartha Vilasa Banbas, Sauraha. Following a delightful tour of the property and a delicious lunch, the Skål team embarked on an exhilarating jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, encountering one-horned rhinos, deer and an array of bird species.
The first day continued with a refreshing hi-tea at Barahi Jungle Lodge, followed by a serene boating session on the Rapti River. As the sun set, guests enjoyed snacks at Golaghat, taking in breathtaking views and heartfelt conversations. The evening culminated in a vibrant cultural showcase and cocktail dinner at Barahi Jungle Lodge, where a presentation on the lodge’s upcoming Pokhara expansion was also shared.
The second day began at River Bank Jungle Resort, our host hotel with a symbolic and soulful elephant feeding ceremony, accompanied by sacred mantras from Devghat Dham's Batuk gurus. The Wildlife Focus Conference was officially inaugurated by distinguished dignitaries, setting a tone of pride and collaboration.
A notable highlight was the CSR initiative by Shangri-La Hospitality Group, where school bags and stationery were distributed to local schoolchildren, bringing smiles and meaningful community engagement.
Throughout the day, a series of impactful presentations and speeches were delivered by leaders from the Nepal Tourism Board, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Tourism, Bharatpur Metropolitan City, and other prominent tourism and conservation experts. The insightful presentations ranged from sustainability, wildlife conservation and the future of tourism in Nepal. The sessions encouraged engaging discussions, highlighting community involvement and the importance of responsible tourism practices.
The evening featured a grand Cocktail & Entertainment Night where special honors and accolades were presented to host hotels, partner organizations and government bodies in recognition of their valuable contributions. A traditional Skål toast marked the shared commitment to promoting Chitwan as a prime destination for eco-tourism.
The final day offered a spiritual visit to Maulakalika Mandir, followed by a warm lunch hosted by Ila Maulakali. The journey concluded with the return flight to Kathmandu, with heartfelt thanks to Buddha Air Nepal for their continued support.
The local community's response was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the program’s focus on promoting Chitwan’s tourism potential while emphasizing sustainability and cultural heritage.
With this initiative, Skål International Nepal continues its mission of fostering ethical tourism, supporting local communities and positioning Chitwan as a vibrant hub of “Wildlife and More.” The program not only spotlighted Chitwan’s rich natural and cultural treasures but also reinforced a collective commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in Nepal. More than just focusing on Chitwan, this initiative has introduced a new concept aimed at promoting tourism by encouraging active participation from local communities and industry stakeholders, providing a platform where they can engage, exchange ideas and collaborate on tourism development and activities. Given the program’s impactful success, Skål International Nepal has decided to organize this event biennially, further strengthening efforts to promote responsible tourism and conservation.
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