UN Tourism urged to support Nepal for technology and sustainable tourism

KATHMANDU, MARCH 30: Nepal has urged the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to support the development of technology and sustainable tourism.

A delegation of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), currently on a Europe tour, made this request during its meeting with an official of the UN Tourism in Madrid, Spain. The delegation, led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Binod Prakash Singh, acknowledged the UN’s support so far and called for additional cooperation in technology, specifically in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and sustainable tourism development.

During a recent meeting with Harry Hwang, Director of the Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific at theUNWTO, the Nepali delegation’s visit to the UN Tourism Headquarters was recognized as historic, being the first of its kind. Hwang pledged the continuation of UN cooperation with Nepal and urged the country to actively engage in UN tourism-related activities while submitting formal proposals outlining its priorities for additional support.

Director General of the Department of Tourism, Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, stated that Nepal is committed to further strengthening its partnership with the UN tourism body to promote bilateral tourism relations. Nepal requires UN Tourism’s support to improve its tourism policies, promote inclusive tourism, and ensure the just distribution of tourism benefits.

NTB representatives highlighted Nepal's potential in adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and rural tourism, emphasizing the need for UN-backed projects and further cooperation to elevate Nepal’s tourism industry. They stressed that Nepal needs UN projects and support to take its tourism sector to new heights.

Prior to this, the NTB organized a promotional program highlighting Nepal’s tourism destinations in collaboration with the Nepali Embassy in Spain. The event aimed to enhance tourism relations between Nepal and Spain and was attended by tour and travel entrepreneurs and media professionals.

On the occasion, Nepal's Ambassador to Spain, Sanil Nepal, spoke about the long-standing relations between Nepal and Spain. NTB Senior Manager Khadga Bikram Shah delivered a presentation focusing on Nepal’s natural beauty, adventure tourism, cultural heritage, and hospitality services, emphasizing that Nepal could be a prime tourist destination for Spaniards.