Held from June 1–4, 2026 under the theme ‘New Frontiers in Tourism,’ HTM 2026 attracted more than 100 international participants, including representatives from 75 global buyer companies, over 80 exhibiting organisations, and a strong representation of tourism stakeholders from Nepal and across the region.
Organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and a wide range of public and private sector partners, the event provided a dynamic platform for exploring emerging opportunities, fostering international partnerships, and shaping the future of tourism in an increasingly connected and evolving world.
The event featured a comprehensive programme of business-to-business meetings, thought leadership sessions, destination experiences, networking functions, and cultural showcases, highlighting innovation, sustainability, resilience, and collaboration as key drivers of tourism growth in Nepal and beyond.
“HTM continues to serve as a catalyst for tourism growth, regional cooperation, and international market connectivity,” said Khem Lakai, Chairman, PATA Nepal Chapter. “The theme ‘New Frontiers in Tourism’ reflects our collective ambition to embrace innovation, diversify tourism offerings, and create meaningful travel experiences for future generations.”
Addressing delegates during the Closing Celebration, Hikmat Singh Ayer, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, thanked international delegates, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support in promoting Nepal as a premier travel destination. He congratulated the organising team and partners for successfully delivering another impactful edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart.
Exploring Nepal through Pre-Mart Familiarisation Trips
Prior to the Mart, international delegates participated in specially curated Familiarisation (FAM) Trips across key destinations including Pokhara, Lumbini, Haibung (Sindhupalchok), Kritipur and Namo Buddha. These immersive experiences showcased Nepal’s rich diversity through cultural heritage, adventure tourism, spirituality, regenerative tourism initiatives, and wellness experiences, while creating opportunities for destination discovery, business exchange, and future collaboration.
HTM Insight Forum explores the future of tourism
The HTM Insight Forum convened leading tourism experts, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss emerging travel trends, sustainable tourism practices, technological innovation, experiential travel, wellness tourism, destination resilience, and market diversification.
The discussions generated valuable insights and actionable recommendations, inspiring stakeholders to embrace innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of tourism.
B2B Mart generates new business opportunities
The B2B Mart remained the cornerstone of HTM 2026, facilitating productive business interactions between international buyers and tourism suppliers from Nepal and other destinations.
The sessions, held on 3 and 4 June, brought together 75 international buyers and more than 80 exhibitors, resulting in over 2,400 pre-scheduled business appointments and the creation of significant new tourism partnerships.
Honourable Khadak Raj Paudel, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, visited the B2B Mart and commended exhibitors for promoting and showcasing diverse tourism products and services. He also expressed appreciation to the organisers, delegates, partners, and sponsors for contributing to the success of HTM 2026.
Celebrating hospitality, culture, and partnership
Throughout the event, delegates participated in a series of networking receptions, destination showcases, and cultural programmes that highlighted Nepal’s renowned hospitality and rich cultural heritage.
HTM 2026 concluded with a vibrant Closing Celebration at Club NOVA, where international delegates and Nepali tourism professionals came together to celebrate new partnerships, shared achievements, and future opportunities. The evening reflected the spirit of friendship, collaboration, and a collective commitment to advancing tourism across the Himalayan region and beyond.
A model of public-private partnership
Speaking on the significance of the event, Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, expressed sincere gratitude to all delegates, stakeholders, sponsors, and partner organisations who contributed to the success of HTM 2026.
He noted that the Himalayan Travel Mart has become a shining example of public-private partnership, creating value through business networking, destination promotion, knowledge exchange, and international market engagement while strengthening Nepal’s tourism brand globally.
As HTM 2026 concludes, it marks a legacy of stronger partnerships, fresh perspectives, and renewed momentum for tourism growth. By bringing together global tourism leaders and stakeholders under the banner of Nepal as the Gateway to the Himalayas, HTM 2026 has fostered meaningful business connections, unlocked new opportunities, and reinforced Nepal’s position as a leading platform for tourism dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in the Himalayan region and beyond.
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