Nepal Tourism Roadshow Makes Historic Debut in Varanasi
The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) marked a significant milestone by organizing the inaugural Nepal Tourism Roadshow in Varanasi on Friday. This groundbreaking event is viewed as a crucial initiative to enhance tourism cooperation and foster stronger people-to-people connections between Nepal and India.
Objectives and Focus of the Roadshow
The primary goal of this roadshow was to position Nepal as a top tourism destination, specifically targeting Indian tourists from eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighboring regions. Through direct engagement with local tourism experts and hoteliers, the event showcased Nepal's diverse attractions, including:
- Pilgrimage and spiritual tourism sites
- Adventure tourism opportunities
- Wellness tourism programs
- Cultural heritage experiences
- Hospitality initiatives
Delegation and Leadership
A delegation comprising over 12 members from Nepal traveled to Varanasi to participate in the roadshow. The delegation was headed by Sirjana Rana of NICCI, with key participants including:
- NICCI vice-president Kunal Kayal
- Executive member Shashikant Agrawal
- Prominent tourism professionals from Nepal
- Leading hoteliers from Nepal
Why Varanasi Was Chosen
Varanasi was selected as the venue for NICCI's first tourism-focused roadshow in India due to its status as a major spiritual and cultural hub. The city shares deep historical and religious connections with Nepal, making it an ideal platform for promoting cross-border tourism. According to NICCI officials, Varanasi's strong spiritual identity provides a fitting backdrop for advancing tourism cooperation between the two nations.
Key Highlights and Participation
The roadshow featured a keynote address by Binod Chaudhary, chairman of the Chaudhary Group, a renowned industrialist and former parliamentarian. Notably, Chaudhary is the only Nepali dollar billionaire listed on Forbes. The event attracted more than 80 travel and tourism organizations from India, along with representatives from the business community, underscoring the growing interest in Nepal's tourism potential.
This initiative represents a strategic effort to leverage cultural and spiritual ties to boost tourism flows, with Varanasi serving as a gateway to promote Nepal's rich offerings to Indian travelers.
