Kathmandu| Nepal has earned international recognition at the 9th edition of the Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) 2026, receiving the prestigious “Tourism Abode of the Eastern Himalayas” award. The honor was presented to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) during the three day tourism trade event held from January 9 to 11 at The Cinderella Hotel in Siliguri, India. The award highlights Nepal’s sustained efforts to position itself as a leading experiential destination within the Eastern Himalayan region. Organized by the Eastern Himalayas Travel and Tour Operators’ Association (EHTTOA), BTM is regarded as one of Eastern India’s most prominent tourism trade platforms, bringing together tourism stakeholders, buyers, sellers and media from India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
NTB participated in the mart alongside Nepali travel trade companies and tourism representatives from Koshi and Madhesh Provinces. The event offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen cross-border tourism collaboration between Nepal and India, while also expanding regional tourism partnerships. Throughout the mart, Nepali exhibitors showcased a wide range of tourism products, services and tailor-made travel packages aimed at travelers from West Bengal and neighboring regions. Visitors to the Nepal pavilion received updated information on emerging tourism offerings, with particular focus on Koshi and Madhesh Provinces. Promotional materials such as travel guides, maps, posters and souvenirs were also distributed.
The Nepal Tourism Board delegation was led by Senior Director Mani Raj Lamichhane, accompanied by Senior Manager Khadga Bikram Shah and support staff Surendra Singh Lama. Ahead of the mart, Mr. Lamichhane addressed local media during a press meet organized at the Siliguri Journalists’ Club on January 7. The mart was officially inaugurated on the evening of January 9 at Savin Kingdom by Siliguri Mayor Gautam Dev, who lit the ceremonial lamp. Addressing the inaugural program, Mr. Lamichhane highlighted Nepal’s diverse tourism attractions and invited participants to visit the country, especially as Koshi Province observes Visit Koshi Year 2082 and Madhesh Province prepares for Visit Madhesh 2083.
A special highlight of the event was the “Nepal Night Cultural Program” held on January 10. Attended by travel trade professionals and media representatives, the evening aimed to promote Nepal as a preferred destination for Indian travelers. The program featured a presentation on Nepal’s tourism offerings by Mr. Shah, with emphasis on border connectivity, major attractions and adventure and cultural activities across Koshi and Madhesh Provinces. Traditional Nepali cultural dances added color to the evening.
As a gesture of goodwill, NTB and provincial teams presented tokens of appreciation to key regional tourism officials, including Dr. Prerna Chamling, Additional Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of the Government of Sikkim, and Mr. Karma Wangdi, Marketing Manager of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism. Tokens were also presented to Sandipa Ghosh, Chairman of BTM, and Suresh Thakuri, President of EHTTOA. The Nepal Night concluded with a networking dinner, further strengthening ties among regional tourism stakeholders and reinforcing Nepal’s growing presence in the Eastern Himalayan tourism market.
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