A panel comprising Samit Garg, president of the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) India, Dhananjay Regmi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Maneesh Srivastava, president of Indo-Nepal Wedding Summit, Rajnish Rathi, sales and marketing executive of Wedding Affair, and Priyanka Jalan, secretary of Indo-Nepal Wedding Summit, was moderated by Mahavir Radha Jangra, CEO of Three Musketeers Media and convener of Indo-Nepal Wedding Summit, at a press conference marking the beginning of the Indo-Nepal Wedding Summit. The discussion on Friday centred on the objectives of the two-day event at The Soaltee, Kathmandu.

During the conference, Garg emphasised the cultural ties between Nepal and India, highlighting their significance in bringing Indian weddings to Nepal. He also discussed the considerable impact this initiative could have on Nepal’s economy. Regmi elaborated on the economic advantages of promoting Nepal as an ideal wedding destination, especially in the context of the growing trend of destination weddings.

Regmi highlighted the role of this summit in kickstarting wedding tourism in Nepal by proposing necessary changes to rules and regulations streamlining the process for cross-country weddings. To facilitate bringing gold and jewellery into Nepal, customs exemptions are crucial. The summit aims to facilitate meaningful discussions with government agencies, such as the customs department and chief, stakeholders, and hospitality departments, to review existing policies and make suitable amendments for wedding tourism.

Srivastava also spoke about Nepal’s appeal as a wedding destination, considering its rich history and culture shared with India. Referring to the marriage of Ram and Sita and the presence of Janakpur, Sita’s birthplace in Nepal, he explored the cultural and historical bonds between the two countries. This summit is pivotal for fostering a business partnership between Nepal and India.

Similarly, Rathi emphasised the emotional connection Nepal offers and the similarities that make it easily accessible in terms of brotherhood. He also discussed the rising hotel and air tariffs in India, making trips from Delhi, Goa, and back more expensive than the route from Delhi to Kathmandu and back. This situation provides an opportunity to strengthen relations between the countries.

Jalan pointed out the summit’s potential for revenue and economic growth in Nepal. She highlighted the chance to establish connections and enhance business relations through the event. Jangra highlighted the event’s role in strengthening friendships between the two countries.

The summit, which took place on November 3 and 4, included a keynote address by Garg, presentations, a Gala dinner, a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, a magazine launch at Chandragiri Hills, and a panel discussion.