Himalayan Travel Mart 2025 Concludes on a High Note: Celebrating Mountains, Milestones, and Moment
Kathmandu, 9th June 2025 - The 5th edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2025) concluded in Kathmandu with resounding success and wide acclaim from the global tourism community. The event drew over 700 delegates from 30 countries, including more than 100 international participants and a strong representation of national tourism stakeholders.
With the theme “Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum,” HTM 2025 not only marked the 50th Anniversary of the PATA Nepal Chapter, but also set new benchmarks for international tourism collaboration, promotion, and momentum for sustainable tourism growth.
Held from June 3rd to 5th at The Soaltee Kathmandu, the mart brought together a distinguished gathering of international buyers, sellers, media, tourism professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders. The enthusiastic participation reaffirmed HTM’s position as the Himalayan region’s premier travel trade platform, further strengthening Nepal’s identity as the Gateway to the Himalayas.
Organized by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and various public and private sector partners, HTM 2025 featured a vibrant mix of business exchanges, knowledge-sharing sessions, networking opportunities, destination experience tours, and cultural showcases.
The event was inaugurated on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, by the Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, at The Soaltee Kathmandu. In his keynote address, the Minister praised Nepal’s legacy as the Gateway to the Himalayas, highlighted the twin milestones of PATA Nepal’s Golden Jubilee and the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Annapurna, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism future through strong public-private partnerships and global cooperation. He also applauded the cultural performance by Nepali artists, commending HTM as a powerful platform not only for tourism promotion but also as a source of inspiration for heritage conservation.
Mr. Khem Lakai, Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter, welcomed all delegates to the 5th Himalayan Travel Mart and expressed optimism about Nepal’s growing stature as a year-round travel destination while emphasizing the need for cross-border tourism alliances.
Mr Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted Nepal’s vision for sustainable tourism, with a focus on developing new circuits and unique experiences for international travellers.
Veteran tourism entrepreneur and founder of KGH Group, Mr. Karna Sakya, delivered an insightful keynote on the central theme “Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum,” sharing decades of wisdom and deep reflections on the evolution of Nepal’s tourism.
Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Immediate Past Chair of the PATA Nepal Chapter, extended the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all partners and participants for their support in making HTM 2025 a resounding success.
FAM Trips and Pre-Mart Activities
From May 30 to June 2, international delegates explored Nepal’s diverse offerings through Pre- Mart Familiarization Trips (FAM Trips) to destinations such as Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Panauti, and Dhulikhel. These journeys provided immersive experiences in heritage, wildlife, community-based tourism, adventure, wellness, and spirituality—showcasing Nepal’s rich tapestry of experiences.
HTM Conference and B2B Mart
The HTM Conference, held on June 3rd, convened national and international thought leaders for engaging discussions on topics such as Spiritual, Adventure, and Luxury Tourism, Cultural Intelligence, Sustainability, Market Trends, and Emerging Opportunities in global tourism.
The B2B Mart sessions, held on June 4th and 5th, provided a dynamic platform for over 60 international buyers from 21 countries and 70 sellers from 6 different destination countries, resulting in more than 2,100 pre-scheduled business appointments and the creation of substantial new tourism partnerships.
Networking & Social Functions
A series of evening events hosted by industry partners—including Banbas, Landmark Hotels & Resorts, Bagaicha Adventure Resort, Jungle Safari Lodge, Hotel Jungle Crown, Royal Tiger Luxury Resort (Chitwan), Majestic Lake Front Hotel & Suites, Hotel Sarowar (Pokhara), and Holiday Inn Resort Kathmandu Budhanilkantha—provided meaningful networking opportunities in a warm and culturally immersive Nepali ambience.
Grand Closing Celebration
HTM 2025 concluded with a Grand Closing Ceremony at Lord of the Drinks (LOD), Kathmandu, where international delegates and Nepali tourism professionals came together for a celebratory evening filled with music, dance, and friendship. The evening was a vibrant showcase of Nepal’s warm hospitality and its readiness to welcome the world in all seasons and for all reasons.
The 5th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2025) received generous support from a wide range of partners and organizations across the public and private sectors, including:
Organizing Partner: Nepal Tourism Board
Official Airline Partner: Nepal Airlines Corporation
Official Hotel & Event Venue: The Soaltee Kathmandu
Global Payment Partner (Powered by): VISA
Communication Partner (Connected by): Ncell
Health Partner: CIWEC Hospital & Travel Medicine Center
International Airline Partner: Turkish Airlines
Domestic Airline Partner: Buddha Air
Spirituality Experience Partner: Manakamana Cable Car
Adventure Partner: HighGround Adventures Nepal
24/7 Assistance Partner: Alpine Rescue Service
Sustainability Partner: Sustainable Tourism Project (STP)
New Featured Destination: Jugal Rural Municipality
Association Partner: Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals (GAEHP)
Partners in Transformation: Import Promotion Desk (IPD)
Conservation Partner: WWF Nepal
International Media Partner: Travel and Tour World (TTW)
Supporting Partners: Lord of the Drinks (LOD), Amaya Sojourns, Going Nepal, and Carlsberg
Professional Congress Organizer (PCO): Event Solution
Creative Partners: Samma Arts and Anigraphy Studio
Premium Hospitality Partner: Hilton Kathmandu
Hospitality Partners included: Kantipur Temple House, Kantipur Village, Barahi Hospitality & Leisure, Bagaicha, Hotel Crowne Imperial, Hotel Moonlight Kathmandu, Manang Hotel & Spa, Holiday Inn Resort Kathmandu Budhanilkantha, Banbas, Landmark Hotels & Resorts, Bagaicha Adventure Resort, Jungle Safari Lodge, Hotel Jungle Crown, Royal Tiger Luxury Resort, Temple Bell Boutique Hotel & Spa, Majestic Lake Front Hotel & Suites, Temple Himalaya Hotel & Spa, and Hotel Sarowar.
With overwhelming appreciation from all corners, HTM 2025 has reaffirmed Nepal’s position as a resilient, innovative, and collaborative tourism hub at the heart of the Himalayas. As the industry looks ahead, the spirit of Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum will continue to inspire and drive Nepal’s tourism forward.