The first program took place at the Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo on April 2, 2026, followed by the second leg on April 5, 2026, at the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka, bringing together over 60 participants from Osaka and Nepal.
Jointly organized by PATA Nepal Chapter and Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with Nepal Airlines Corporation, PATA Japan Chapter, and PATA Chinese Taipei Chapter, the program marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation. The initiative also coincided with the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.
The Tokyo event attracted approximately 90 participants, including a 23-member delegation from Nepal representing 12 leading tourism and hospitality companies. Across both programs, Nepal showcased a diverse range of tourism offerings, including adventure, nature, culture, spirituality, and luxury experiences.
A notable highlight was the strong participation from Japan’s travel trade industry. Leading organizations such as JTB and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), along with prominent tour operators and travel professionals, participated in the events—reflecting growing interest in Nepal as a destination for Japanese travellers.
The formal sessions opened with the national anthems of Nepal and Japan, underscoring the long-standing friendship and mutual respect between the two countries. Remarks were delivered by representatives of the PATA Japan Chapter, PATA Chinese Taipei Chapter, PATA Nepal Chapter, and the Embassy of Nepal in Tokyo.
The Destination Nepal presentation by the Nepal Tourism Board highlighted the country’s positioning as a destination offering authentic and diverse travel experiences. Additional presentations on the upcoming 6th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2026) and Nepal Airlines Corporation emphasized improved connectivity and expanding opportunities for tourism and trade.
A cultural showcase, along with presentations of Nepal’s diverse tourism products, further enriched the programs—offering participants deeper insights into the destination.
The B2B exchange sessions in both Tokyo and Osaka provided a dynamic platform for direct engagement between Nepalese sellers and buyers from Japan and Chinese Taipei. These sessions facilitated meaningful business discussions, strengthened partnerships, and opened avenues for future collaboration aimed at increasing tourist arrivals to Nepal.
Speaking on the occasion, PATA Nepal General Secretary and NTB Executive Committee Member, Narendra Bhatta, stated, “Japan remains a highly valued source market for Nepal, and initiatives like these play a crucial role in building trust, strengthening partnerships, and creating meaningful business linkages. We are encouraged by the strong interest and engagement from the Japanese travel trade and look forward to further expanding our collaboration in the years ahead.”
PATA Japan Chapter Chairman, Tony Ishida, expressed his pleasure in hosting the Nepal delegation and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the chapters, noting that such engagements further strengthen tourism ties and mutual cooperation.
Similarly, PATA Chinese Taipei Chapter Chairperson, Ben Liao, welcomed the tri-chapter initiative, stating that he was pleased to be part of this collaborative effort for tourism promotion and B2B exchange. He described the program as a promising beginning and extended an invitation to delegates from Nepal and Japan to visit Taiwan in the near future.
Both programs concluded with networking sessions, fostering stronger professional relationships and enhancing people-to-people connections.
The successful completion of the Tokyo and Osaka programs highlights Nepal’s growing appeal in the Japanese market and underscores the strengthening partnership between the tourism industries of Nepal and Japan.
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