PATA Nepal Chapter participates in GITF and NICE 2025 roadshow

KATHMANDU: Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, at the invitation of Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF), actively participated in the GITF and NICE 2025 Roadshow held in China on December 2 and 4.

The roadshow took place in Guangzhou on December 2 and in Shenzhen on December 4. Attended by over 250 outbound tour operators and media representatives, the event provided an excellent platform to promote Destination Nepal and the upcoming Nepal India China Expo (NICE) 2025, scheduled to take place in Pokhara from February 24 to 26, 2025.

Representing the PATA Nepal Chapter, Chairman Khem Lakai, CEO Suresh Singh Budal, and NICE 2025 Goodwill Ambassador and Expert Advisor for the China Market, Prof Dr Wolfgang Georg Arlt, highlighted Nepal’s tourism potential and emphasised the boundless opportunities for collaboration and tourism exchange.

The roadshow marked a significant milestone, aligning with the official announcement of Nepal Tourism Year 2025 by the Chinese government, coinciding with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's official visit to China.

In his opening remarks, PATA Nepal Chairman Lakai extended a warm invitation to Chinese tour operators to join NICE 2025. He stated, “Nepal, a land of natural beauty, rich culture, and boundless possibilities, invites you to experience the warmth and wisdom of our people at the first-ever NICE Expo.”

PATA Nepal Chapter CEO Budal presented key insights on 'Asian Outbound Tourism' and provided a detailed overview of NICE 2025. His presentation highlighted the event’s programme, proceedings, and its pivotal role in fostering tourism exchange for Nepal, targeting the two largest source markets: India and China.

Additionally, NICE 2025 Goodwill Ambassador Wolfgang provided the latest updates on China’s outbound tourism market, shared his personal experiences in Nepal, and emphasised the country’s unmatched tourism offerings and renowned hospitality. He noted that these qualities inspire travellers worldwide to explore Nepal.

Cathy Sui, Head of GITF, expressed her happiness about collaborating with the PATA Nepal Chapter and supporting NICE 2025 as a partner organisation, aiming to promote and foster the growth of tourism in Nepal.

As of today, over 200 buyers from China and India have already registered for NICE 2025. With the GITF serving as a 'Preferred Partner' of NICE 2025, the roadshow played a crucial role in expanding the event’s outreach among Chinese outbound operators, with more registrations anticipated in the coming weeks. The NICE 2025 Buyers Qualifying Committee will carefully select participants from these registrations.

As NICE 2025 approaches, the PATA Nepal Chapter is committed to strengthening tourism ties and fostering regional collaboration through this landmark event, further enhancing Nepal’s position as a premier destination for global travellers.