The first ever Buddhist International Travel Mart 2019 is scheduled to start from January 10—12 in Lumbini, Bhairahawa. The three-day event is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and other tourism associations.
Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board said that the organisers plan to make the Buddhist International Travel Mart an annual event.
He said the potential for Buddhist tourism in the country was massive, with the proposed Trans-Himalayan Buddhist Circuit, under construction Lumbini International Airport and followers of Buddhism in neighbouring countries such as China, Sri-Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and Bhutan. “Nepal can be developed as a Buddhist circuit gateway,” said Joshi.
Similarly, many people admire the spirit and philosophy of Buddhism and desire to visit the birthplace of Buddha, he said.
“An event like this will help to grow the number of Buddhist tourists in the country,” said Krishna Devkota, secretary at Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, adding, “Everyone should make an effort to make the event successful. Being the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, Buddhist tourism will make a huge impact on the tourism industry as well.”
According to the organisers, the travel mart aims to promote Nepal’s tourism packages at the national and international level by creating service and trade transaction opportunities through international buyers and national sellers of Buddhist tourism places and services.
Currently, 50 international buyers and 50 national sellers have confirmed their participation in the travel mart. Similarly, 40 applications from seven countries are seeking to participate in the event.
Likewise, discussions and the international sessions will be held during the travel mart regarding Buddha tourism and commercial tourism in the country.
The organisers believe that the travel mart will contribute to the success of Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.
Likewise, a budget of Rs20.8 million has been earmarked for the event by Nepal Tourism Board and different tourism related organisation and commercial organisations.
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