Nepal is all set to host the third edition of the Buddhist International Travel Mart starting May 24, 2025. The event, organized by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), aims to promote Nepal’s growing reputation as a key destination for international Buddhist pilgrimage tourism.
According to NATTA, the event will be held in two major locations — Kathmandu and Lumbini — bringing together tourism professionals, buyers, sellers, and visitors from various countries with strong Buddhist cultural ties.
Event Schedule and Locations
The Buddhist International Travel Mart 2025 will officially open in Kathmandu on May 24-25. The opening ceremony will be followed by an international conference and an exhibition showcasing Buddhist travel destinations and services.
On May 26, the event will move to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, for a series of activities including Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions, a farm trip, networking dinner, and a closing ceremony.
Lumbini’s role in the event highlights Nepal’s goal to establish itself as a central hub for Buddhist pilgrimage tourism in the region.
International Participation
The event is expected to attract significant international attention. Over 150 international hosted buyers and more than 60 national and international sellers related to Buddhist tourism have confirmed their participation.
In addition, more than 1,100 visitors from key Buddhist-majority countries like India, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka are expected to attend the travel mart. This diverse participation reflects Nepal’s growing importance in the international Buddhist tourism market.
Tourism Officials Express Optimism
Speaking about the upcoming mart, Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), shared his hopes that the event would further boost Nepal’s image as a major Buddhist travel destination.“The Buddhist International Travel Mart is an important platform to promote Nepal’s Buddhist heritage globally. It will help position Nepal as a preferred destination for international Buddhist pilgrimage tourism,” Joshi stated.
Similarly, NATTA officials expressed confidence that the event would serve as a valuable opportunity to connect tourism businesses, promote religious tourism, and highlight Nepal’s unique Buddhist sites to the world.
A Boost for Religious Tourism
Nepal holds immense significance in the Buddhist world as the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini. Events like the Buddhist International Travel Mart aim to showcase this rich heritage while providing a space for tourism professionals to collaborate and promote religious travel.
According to NATTA, the event could prove to be a historical opportunity for Nepal to expand its tourism network and attract more visitors from countries where Buddhism is widely practiced.
Supporting Nepal’s Tourism Revival
Tourism plays a vital role in Nepal’s economy, and with the global travel industry gradually recovering, events like the Buddhist International Travel Mart 2025 are expected to contribute to the revival of the sector.
NATTA noted that the event would not only focus on pilgrimage tourism but also on cultural, historical, and wellness travel experiences connected to Buddhist teachings and traditions.
Why This Event Matters
Nepal’s tourism sector has faced multiple challenges in recent years due to political instability, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, efforts like the Buddhist International Travel Mart reflect the country’s resilience and its commitment to revive and grow the tourism industry.
The event is also seen as an important step toward promoting regional tourism partnerships and establishing Nepal as a key destination in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.
Closing Thoughts
As Nepal prepares to welcome international visitors for the Buddhist International Travel Mart 2025, organizers and tourism officials are hopeful that the event will create lasting connections, open new business opportunities, and position Nepal more prominently on the global tourism map.
