NICE 2025: A landmark tri-nation tourism expo concludes successfully in Pokhara

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Mar. 2: The first ever tri-nation tourism expo, Nepal India China Expo (NICE 2025), was concluded successfully in Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal. 

The three-day expo, the first of its kind, was organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara Tourism Council, and key public and private sector stakeholders at local, provincial, national and regional levels.

The expo which begun from February 24 concluded on February 26, attracting over 600 delegates from 14 countries, including more than 100 international participants and national tourism stakeholders, according to a press statement of PATA Nepal Chapter. 

The NICE 2025 Conference took place under the theme "NICE for MICE and More," featuring leading experts discussing key topics, including Where Is the Blue Ocean? – Innovations and Leadership in Tourism and Hospitality, China’s Outbound Tourism and Its Impact on South Asian Destinations, MICE Tourism, Unleashing the Power of Aviation, High-Value Wellness with High-Volume Markets: Capitalizing on Global Trends on Health & Well-being, and The Potential of Indian Weddings in Nepal. Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey inaugurated NICE 2025 on February 24 at the Pokhara Event Center. 

He emphasised that NICE 2025 reflects the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties among Nepal, India, and China. 

He highlighted Nepal’s strategic role as a bridge between the two neighboring nations and its potential to benefit from their vast populations and rapidly growing economies. 

He further stated that the government of Nepal is committed to strengthening the tourism industry through infrastructure improvements, resolving challenges at Nepal’s international airports, addressing the EU Air Safety ban, streamlining visa processes, enhancing connectivity, and ensuring world-class tourism services.

On the inauguration ceremony, Khem Lakai, Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting NICE 2025 as a novel initiative marking PATA Nepal’s 50th anniversary. 

He stressed the importance of positioning Nepal as a premier destination by leveraging its two largest source markets—India and China.

Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi welcome all the delegates and invited them to experience and promote Nepal’s unique tourism offerings. 

Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), congratulated Nepal on hosting NICE 2025 and emphasised the event’s role in fostering strategic alliances and unlocking new opportunities in the tourism sector.

A Pre-Expo FAM Trip on February 23rd offered international delegates two immersive itineraries: "Sunrise to Sunset in Pokhara" and "Nature & Adventure Escape in Pokhara." 

These experiences were hosted by the Nepal Airsports Association and Highground Adventure, with Fishtail Lodge hosting lunch and Raniban Retreat providing Hi-tea.

The acclaimed success of NICE 2025 underscores Nepal’s growing prominence in the global tourism landscape and its commitment to fostering regional collaboration for sustainable tourism growth.