Nepal Promotes Wellness, Adventure and Sustainable Tourism at WTM London 2026

Nepal has strengthened its international tourism presence by showcasing its diverse tourism products and experiences at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, one of the world's leading international travel trade fairs. The event was held from November 3 to 5 at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London, United Kingdom. A Nepalese delegation led by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadkaraj Poudel 'Ganesh' participated in the event alongside the Nepal Tourism Board and 32 private companies associated with the tourism industry. Nepal used the international platform to promote its tourism products and services while building business relationships with international tourism operators, travel buyers, media representatives and other industry stakeholders. A major focus of Nepal's participation was promoting the upcoming Nepal Wellness Tourism Year 2027. The country highlighted opportunities in yoga, meditation, spiritual rejuvenation and holistic wellness experiences. Beyond its traditional Himalayan trekking and mountaineering attractions, Nepal also showcased activities such as high-altitude marathons, mountain biking, rafting, wildlife tourism, cultural heritage, community-based tourism and spiritual tourism. Through its participation, Nepal aimed to establish itself as a responsible and sustainable destination offering diverse travel experiences through its natural landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage and interaction with local communities. The Nepalese delegation also included Shankar Bahadur KC, a member of the Nepal Tourism Board's Executive Committee and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. The Nepal Pavilion was inaugurated by Minister Poudel in the presence of House of Representatives member Manish Jha. During the event, Minister Poudel held high-level meetings and discussions with India's Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Indian Rajya Sabha member, renowned author and philanthropist Sudha Murty, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, and Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranatunga. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation, expanding air connectivity, promoting cultural exchanges, exploring investment opportunities in the tourism sector and enhancing international partnerships. In addition to WTM London, Minister Poudel participated in the 20th Ministerial Summit jointly organized by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and UN Tourism. The summit focused on the theme of strengthening tourism for a resilient and regenerative future, bringing together global tourism leaders to discuss sector resilience, sustainable investment and collaboration between governments and the private sector. Addressing the summit, Minister Poudel drew international attention to the growing risks posed by climate change to Himalayan destinations. Citing the recent sudden flooding in the Bhotekoshi River, which caused loss of life and damaged tourism infrastructure and property, he highlighted the increasing challenges climate change poses to mountain tourism. He emphasized that effective coordination among local communities, governments and strong institutional structures is essential to protect the tourism industry from potential disasters and climate-related risks. He also stressed the importance of community empowerment, effective government policies and institutional cooperation in developing sustainable and resilient tourism. Nepal also highlighted its achievements in wildlife conservation during the event. The country's conservation successes, achieved through collaboration among local communities, conservation partners and national parks, were presented to international tourism stakeholders as another important aspect of Nepal's tourism appeal.