Kathmandu : Amid growing instability in global tourism and disruptions in international air routes due to escalating tensions in West Asia, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has intensified its targeted promotional efforts in neighboring India. As part of this strategy, Nepal was showcased as a premier destination for weddings during a special event held in New Delhi.
The Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) and the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, organized the “Nepal Destination Wedding & OTAs Connect” on April 28–29. The two-day event brought together key stakeholders from Nepal and India’s tourism and wedding industries, aiming to position Nepal as a dream wedding destination that blends cultural richness, natural beauty, and traditional heritage.
According to NTB Senior Officer Robin Regmi, the event witnessed active participation from 21 leading Nepali companies and 45 Indian wedding planners. Nepali delegates showcased high-end hotels, resorts, and specialized services tailored for destination weddings. “Through B2B meetings, presentations, networking sessions, and discussions, the event has laid a strong foundation for expanding Nepal-India collaboration in wedding tourism,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of NTB, Deepak Raj Joshi, highlighted wedding tourism as a high-potential segment for Nepal. “Nepal offers immense opportunities in wedding tourism, with a diverse range of venues from luxury resorts to unique natural and cultural sites,” he said. He further expressed confidence that such initiatives would not only increase tourist arrivals but also promote high-value tourism, contributing significantly to the national economy and supporting allied sectors.
President of the Hotel Association of Nepal, Vinayak Shah, emphasized that strengthened collaboration between Nepal and India would play a crucial role in advancing wedding tourism.
Similarly, Niraj Dhawan, President of the Indian Wedding Planner Association, noted that the rising popularity of destination weddings among Indian couples presents a significant opportunity for Nepal. Dr. Surendra Thapa, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, underscored the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two countries, expressing confidence that such initiatives would elevate bilateral tourism cooperation to new heights.
The event also featured participation from NTB Director Laxman Gautam, who shared insights into the growing wedding tourism sector. He highlighted the cultural significance of marriage in Eastern civilizations and emphasized Nepal’s potential to cater culturally discerning markets like India. “With our stunning venues, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture, we are ready to welcome Indian wedding planners and their clients to experience the magic of Nepal,” he said.
Recent NTB data further reinforces India’s position as Nepal’s leading source market. In 2025, Nepal recorded a total of 1,158,451 international tourist arrivals, of which 292,438 representing 25.2 percent were from India.
According to NTB officer Regmi, promoting wedding tourism in the Indian market is expected to attract high-spending visitors and help ensure year-round tourism activity. The initiative is also anticipated to strengthen Nepal’s positioning not only as a travel destination but as a hub for culturally immersive, luxurious, and unforgettable wedding experiences.
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