WTM concludes in Nepalgunj

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, June 11:  The third edition of the Western Travel Mart (WTM), organised in Nepalgunj with the aim of promoting the tourist destinations of Western Nepal and increasing the number of Indian tourists, concluded on Tuesday.

The event was coordinated by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA)'s Banke Chapter in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City. 

According to Shriram Sigdel, President of NATTA Banke, the third edition of the WTM has created an environment conducive to attracting a significant number of Indian tourists to the region.

The mart saw participation from Indian tour operators, Indian journalists, and representatives of various organisations associated with the tourism sector. Sigdel said that the mart was successful in promoting the tourist and religious sites of Western Nepal.

Former central president of NATTA, Achyut Guragain, said that the event had rekindled hope in the tourism potential of the western region. He added that the WTM had opened doors to view the southern border not as a problem, but as a land full of possibilities.

Rajesh Sinha, President of the Travels and Trade Welfare Association, Lucknow – who led the Indian tour operators to the mart - noted that Indian people are eager to visit Nepal. He emphasised the need to create a convenient and welcoming environment for Indian tourists to travel to, stay in, and enjoy Nepal.

Sinha pointed out that due to its peace, natural beauty, scenic charm, and favourable climate, Nepal could become the top destination for Indian tourists. However, he urged the Government of Nepal to make travel and transportation smoother and more accessible.

Likewise, Prashant Bista, Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City, said that the number of Indian tourists visiting Nepalgunj has been increasing recently due to the mart.

Bhagiraj Oli, Secretary of NATTA Banke, said that Indian tour operators and journalists participating in the programme were taken on visits to casinos, star hotels, travel agencies, and airlines operating in Banke. 

They were also given tours of Banke and Bardiya National Parks and taken for rafting on the Karnali River.

As part of the mart, a local food festival (Food Lane) was organised on the eastern side of Tribhuvan Chowk in Nepalgunj. The two-day event saw a large turnout from local residents. The local food promotion event featured stalls offering chat, dahi bada, panipuri, sel roti, juice, Momo, and noodles.

Bhim Bahadur Ranabhat, General Secretary of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Nepalgunj used to be vibrant before the implementation of federalism but has been on a declining trend after the country adopted the federal structure. "Such events are essential to bring back its former vibrancy," he said.