Date: February 7, 2025
1. Nepal India China Expo (NICE-2025) Set for February 24-26 in Pokhara
The ‘Nepal India China Expo (NICE-2025)’ is scheduled to take place in Pokhara from February 24 to 26, 2025. Organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, the event aims to boost tourism by attracting visitors from neighboring India and China. Supported by the Nepal Tourism Board, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism (Gandaki Province), and the Pokhara Tourism Council, the expo will feature over 150 regional buyers, 100 diverse exhibitors, and 25 leading media invitees from India and China. The theme for this year’s expo is ‘NICE for MICE and More,’ highlighting Pokhara’s potential as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
2. Nepal Participates in the 2025 Asian Winter Games
Nepal is set to compete in the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, from February 7 to 14. The Nepalese delegation comprises four alpine skiers—two men and two women. This participation underscores Nepal’s growing involvement in winter sports on the Asian stage.
3. Nepal Observes 2025 as ‘Special Tourism Year’
The government has declared 2025 as a ‘special tourism year’ as part of its ‘Visit Nepal Decade’ initiative for the 2080s in the Nepali calendar. This announcement aims to revitalize the tourism sector, which faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans include identifying new tourist destinations across all seven provinces, developing necessary infrastructures, and promoting these spots internationally. The initiative also focuses on enhancing security arrangements for climbers and tourists, expanding adventure tourism, and adhering to strict air safety standards.
4. Royal Visit Enhances UK-Nepal Relations
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are currently on an official visit to Nepal, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties. Their engagements include visits to the National Botanical Garden in Godawari, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development’s Living Mountain Laboratory, and the Gurkha Welfare Trust Area Welfare Centre and Residential Home in Pokhara. This visit underscores the enduring relationship between the UK and Nepal, with a focus on environmental conservation and support for the Gurkha community.
5. Nepal’s Tourism Sector Sees Notable Recovery
Nepal’s tourism industry witnessed a significant resurgence in 2024, welcoming over 1.147 million tourists—a 13.1% increase compared to the previous year. This growth indicates a 96% recovery of pre-pandemic visitor levels. The highest number of tourists arrived from India (317,772), followed by the USA (111,216) and China (101,879). The Nepal Tourism Board attributes this success to collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors and anticipates continued growth in 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring you the latest news and developments from Nepal’s vibrant travel scene.
