Nepali, Indian entrepreneurs commit to boosting cross-border religious tourism

AGRA, INDIA: Tourism entrepreneurs from Nepal and India have pledged to promote cross-border religious tourism.

An interaction among tourism entrepreneurs from both countries, coordinated with the Embassy of India in Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and Uttar Pradesh Tourism Board of India, saw participants commit to collaborative efforts in tourism promotion.

Tourism-related agencies and businesspersons from both countries will join forces to reap mutual benefits by expanding partnerships in religious tourism in border areas.

Nepali businesspersons recently undertook a six-day exposure visit to various religious sites in India, including Mathura, Agra, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ayodhya, fostering interactions among tourism entrepreneurs.

During the visit, discussions covered tourism possibilities, challenges, and opportunities. Akash Deep, Additional Strategic Officer of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, remarked that such events significantly enhance tourism cooperation.

Kaushlendra Singh, General Secretary of Agra Travel Agents Association, highlighted the discussions' success in showcasing the potential for religious tourism between Nepal and India. He pledged to encourage Indian tourists to visit Nepal following briefings from Nepali entrepreneurs and NTB representatives.

Shraddha Shrestha, Senior Manager at NTB, stated that the event aimed to highlight tourism potentials and promote cross-border tourism.

Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah announced efforts to develop Ayodhya and Janakpur as Ramayana circuit.

Tourism entrepreneur Maya Prasad Bhatta stressed the need for collaboration to introduce tourists to new destinations in the far-western region, including jungle safaris and pilgrimage sites like Badimalika and Khaptad.

Promotional programmes were also organised in Varanasi to boost religious tourism between Nepal and India.

Santosh Kumar Singh, President of Varanasi Tourism Guild, stressed the importance of leveraging centuries-old religious and cultural ties. He urged Hindu Nepali tourists to participate in India's Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, and suggested that improved road infrastructure in Nepal could attract more Indian tourists.

RK Rawat, Deputy Director of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, called for continued exchanges to promote religious tourism.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department organised a formal tourism programme in Lucknow, focusing on upcoming strategies and business exchanges between government agencies and private sector tourism entrepreneurs.

At the invitation of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, 23 Nepali businesspersons, government representatives, and media persons participated in the programme.

Previously, Nepal had hosted Indian tourism entrepreneurs to showcase Nepal's tourism sectors, with plans to continue such programmes annually.