FDB, NTB ink agreement to promote film tourism

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 12: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Film Development Board (FDB) have signed a four-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote Nepal’s tourism through films. 

According to the MOU inked in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Nepal will officially participate in the Cannes Film Festival 2026, organise an international-level film festival in Pokhara, conduct an audio-visual storytelling campaign and produce promotional materials related to film tourism.

The MOU was signed by Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tourism Board, and Dinesh Raj Dahal (Dinesh DC), Executive Chairman of the Film Development Board. 

Senior NTB Manager Surya Thapaliya said that the agreement was made under the approved programmes and budget for the fiscal year 2082/83.

According to the agreement, Nepal’s official pavilion will be established each year at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival to promote Nepali films and the country’s tourist destinations internationally.

 Likewise, Pokhara will host a film festival with the aim of developing it as a confluence of cinema and tourism.

Speaking at the programme, Film Development Board Chairperson DC said that the collaboration was a beginning of a long journey.

 He added that Nepal’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival will be ensured every year, establishing the country’s film industry on the global stage.

 “Once films are shot, those locations automatically get promoted as tourist destinations,” he said. “We will move forward hand-in-hand to make Nepal a tourism-led country.”

Likewise, Nepal Tourism Board CEO Joshi said that the country has prioritised film tourism with the aim of establishing Nepal as the land of memorable stories.

 He highlighted the need for policy reforms, simplification, and facilitation of permit procedures for film shooting. He added that collaboration with the Film Development Board would help promote high-potential destinations in international markets. 

“The Tourism Board has been participating in 50–60 international forums annually, following this agreement, the Board can collaborate with the film sector in major programmes,” he said.

The MOU covers promoting travel inspired by films, joint promotion in international exhibitions and markets, establishing Nepal as an attractive destination for audio-visual production, and implementing infrastructure development and promotional campaigns. 

According to Thapaliya, the collaboration will help boost tourist attraction even to lesser-known destinations, energise the local economy, create employment, and strengthen cultural exchange.