Monday, June 9, 2025
The 5th edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2025) wrapped up in Kathmandu with overwhelming success, drawing global acclaim from the tourism industry. The event, held from June 3rd to 5th at The Soaltee Kathmandu, attracted over 700 delegates from 30 countries, including more than 100 international participants, and a strong representation of Nepalese tourism stakeholders.
HTM 2025, under the theme “Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum,” celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the PATA Nepal Chapter and established new benchmarks for global tourism collaboration and sustainable development. The event reaffirmed Nepal’s position as the “Gateway to the Himalayas,” emphasizing the country’s vital role in the global tourism landscape.
Organized by the PATA Nepal Chapter in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and numerous public and private sector entities, HTM 2025 featured a blend of business exchanges, networking opportunities, destination experience tours, knowledge-sharing sessions, and cultural showcases. This mix provided a comprehensive platform for tourism professionals, policymakers, international buyers, and sellers to interact and build partnerships aimed at boosting the tourism sector.
The event was formally inaugurated by the Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, who emphasized Nepal’s historic role as the Gateway to the Himalayas. In his keynote address, the Minister celebrated two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of the PATA Nepal Chapter and the 75th anniversary of the first successful summit of Mount Annapurna. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to sustainable tourism growth and public-private partnerships, recognizing the importance of global cooperation for the continued development of Nepal’s tourism. He also praised the cultural performances by Nepali artists, acknowledging HTM as a key platform not only for promoting tourism but also for fostering heritage conservation.
Mr. Khem Lakai, Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter, welcomed the delegates to the 5th Himalayan Travel Mart, emphasizing Nepal’s growing status as a year-round travel destination. He stressed the importance of cross-border tourism alliances to increase Nepal’s visibility and enhance tourism flow. Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, spoke about Nepal’s vision for sustainable tourism, focusing on developing new tourism circuits and providing unique experiences to international visitors.
Veteran tourism entrepreneur Mr. Karna Sakya delivered a keynote on the theme “Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum,” reflecting on the evolution of Nepal’s tourism and offering valuable insights based on his decades of experience in the industry. Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Immediate Past Chair of the PATA Nepal Chapter, concluded the event by thanking all the partners and participants for their contributions to the success of HTM 2025.
Before the main event, from May 30 to June 2, international delegates participated in Pre-Mart Familiarization (FAM) Trips to key destinations in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Panauti, and Dhulikhel. These FAM Trips offered a firsthand experience of Nepal’s rich heritage, wildlife, community-based tourism, adventure, wellness, and spirituality, showcasing the diverse offerings the country has for international travelers.
The HTM Conference, held on June 3rd, served as a platform for national and international thought leaders to engage in discussions on various tourism topics, including spiritual tourism, adventure tourism, cultural intelligence, sustainability, and emerging global trends. The B2B Mart sessions, held on June 4th and 5th, facilitated more than 2,100 pre-scheduled business meetings between international buyers from 21 countries and sellers from six different destinations, fostering meaningful partnerships and opportunities for the tourism sector.
In addition to the conference and B2B sessions, networking events hosted by industry partners provided further opportunities for delegates to connect in a culturally immersive Nepali setting. Partners such as Banbas, Landmark Hotels & Resorts, and Bagaicha Adventure Resort organized social functions that enriched the experience for all attendees.
HTM 2025 concluded with a Grand Closing Ceremony at Lord of the Drinks (LOD) in Kathmandu, where international delegates and Nepali tourism professionals came together to celebrate the success of the event. The evening featured music, dance, and a vibrant display of Nepal’s renowned hospitality, underscoring the country’s readiness to welcome the world in every season.
HTM 2025 was made possible through the support of numerous partners, including the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and various hospitality and sustainability organizations. With such strong backing, the event reinforced Nepal’s role as a resilient, innovative, and collaborative tourism hub. As the industry looks ahead, the spirit of “Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum” will continue to guide Nepal’s tourism growth and strengthen its global position.
