Nepal Showcases Its Diversity at PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2026 and PATA Award of Excellence
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, in collaboration with Nepal Airlines and nine private-sector travel trade companies, made an impressive presence and promoted tourism at one of Asia Pacific's leading international business-to-business travel trade events — PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2026, held from August 18 to 20 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
The mart welcomed over 1,100 tourism delegates from 48 countries and destinations, bringing together 221 buyers representing 215 companies from 29 source markets, and over 365 sellers representing more than 200 organizations and destinations — creating opportunities for tourism businesses and destinations to connect with international markets and develop new partnerships.
The Nepali exhibitors at PTM 2026 included Himalayan Holidays Nepal, ExpeditionHimalaya.com, Destinago Tours & Travels, Royal Mountain Travel, Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, Off the Wall Trekking, Mountain Delight Treks & Expeditions, Mountain Tiger Nepal, and Mission Nepal Holidays.
The "Nepal Pavilion" highlighted Nepal's diverse offerings, including mountaineering, trekking, expeditions, spirituality, wellness, luxury travel, community-based tourism, and immersive, transformative experiences. PTM 2026 marked the first international travel trade show at which Nepali tourism exhibitors promoted wellness offerings alongside the destination's broader appeal, as the country prepares to celebrate 2027 as Wellness Year.
At PTM 2026, the PATA Nepal Chapter also promoted the 7th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2027), Nepal's premier international travel trade show, which will take place from June 1–4, 2027, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
"PTM 2026 was very fruitful for Nepali exhibitors, and it gave us a proud moment to celebrate once again, as the PATA Nepal Chapter received the 'Award of Excellence' among global PATA Chapters," said Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Immediate Past Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter.
"PATA Travel Mart is about building valuable, quality business connections that extend beyond the event, and the opportunities they create can grow into lasting partnerships," said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.
"Hosting PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Sarawak is an important opportunity for us to strengthen our engagement with the international tourism community and contribute to the future growth of tourism across the Asia Pacific," said YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, and Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak.
Across the two main Travel Mart days, buyers and sellers took part in more than 4,000 scheduled business appointments, creating opportunities to develop new partnerships, explore new source markets, and generate future business. Following the successful conclusion of PTM 2026, the next PATA Travel Mart will be held in Macao from September 20–22, 2027.
PATA Nepal Chapter Wins PATA Award of Excellence 2026
PATA Nepal Chapter has been selected as the winner of the PATA Award of Excellence, presented by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA HQ) during the PATA Chapter and Student Chapter Awards Ceremony held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Commons Café, Old Court House, Kuching, a day ahead of PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
The PATA Award of Excellence is presented annually to PATA Chapters and Student Chapters whose activities over the preceding year best exemplify dedication to the development of the travel and tourism industry within the Pacific Asia region, in a manner consistent with the aims and objectives of PATA.
Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Immediate Past (IP) Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter, received the award on behalf of the association. Extending his gratitude and appreciation to PATA HQ for the recognition, he affirmed the dedicated role of PATA Nepal Chapter's Executive Committee and Secretariat team, led by its proactive CEO, without whom the Chapter's significant milestones and achievements over the years would not have been possible.
Mr. Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, said it was a proud moment for both PATA Nepal Chapter and Nepal to be recognized once again with the prestigious PATA Award of Excellence. He noted that PATA Nepal Chapter has consistently demonstrated excellence in its advocacy and engagement roles over the years, positioning itself as one of the most active PATA Chapters worldwide. He added that this recognition from PATA is a source of pride and motivation, inspiring the Chapter to intensify its continued collaboration toward the sustainable and responsible development of tourism in Nepal and beyond.