Nepal has taken a strategic step toward strengthening its tourism and hospitality ties with India by hosting a high-profile B2B networking event in the capital. Titled “Nepal Destination Wedding & OTAs Connect,” the exclusive evening was organized by the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi.
The event was designed to position Nepal as a leading destination for luxury weddings, experiential travel, and cross-border hospitality collaborations. It attracted over 90 attendees, including 21 prominent delegates from Nepal’s hospitality sector and approximately 45 Indian wedding planners and Online Travel Agents (OTAs).
The evening commenced with a formal welcome session, followed by keynote addresses from key dignitaries. Mr. Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association Nepal, highlighted Nepal’s evolving tourism infrastructure and its readiness to cater to premium wedding experiences. Dr. Surendra Thapa, Minister/Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal, emphasized the cultural and geographical proximity between India and Nepal, which makes the country an ideal wedding destination for Indian clientele.
Mr. Laxman Gautam, Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, reinforced the country’s commitment to promoting high-value tourism segments, including destination weddings. Adding industry perspective, Neeraj Dhawan, Founder Chair of the Indian Wedding Industry Association, acknowledged the growing demand for unique and scenic wedding destinations among Indian consumers.
Senior Vice President of HAN, Mr. Prabin Bahadur Pandey, reiterated the association’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the Indian market. He expressed optimism about future collaborations and confirmed that similar initiatives would be organized in the coming years to sustain momentum.
A key highlight of the evening was a detailed presentation by Mr. Tek Bahadur Mahat from HAN titled “Profile of Nepal’s Destination Wedding Properties.” The presentation showcased Nepal’s diverse portfolio of wedding venues, ranging from luxury hotels in Kathmandu to scenic resorts in Pokhara and heritage properties surrounded by Himalayan landscapes.
Leading hospitality brands from Nepal actively participated in the showcase, including The Soaltee Kathmandu, Hotel Yak & Yeti, Dusit Thani, Lemon Tree Premier, Chandragiri Hills Resort, Gokarna Forest Resort, and others. These brands presented their offerings directly to Indian wedding planners and OTA representatives, facilitating meaningful business discussions and potential collaborations.
The structured networking session served as a dynamic platform for fostering partnerships between Nepalese hoteliers and Indian stakeholders. Participants engaged in one-on-one interactions, exploring opportunities for curated wedding packages, customized travel experiences, and long-term business alliances.
The evening concluded with a cocktail dinner, offering attendees an informal setting to deepen relationships and exchange cultural insights. The event not only strengthened business ties but also highlighted Nepal’s unique positioning as a destination that combines luxury, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s tourism outreach strategy, reinforcing its ambition to emerge as a preferred destination for destination weddings and experiential travel among Indian travelers. By leveraging strategic partnerships and targeted engagement, Nepal continues to enhance its visibility and appeal in one of its most important source markets.
