Nepal Extends Warm Welcome to Bangladeshi Tourists

In a heartening move, Nepal recently offered a traditional red carpet welcome to nearly 700 Bangladeshi tourists visiting the country. As part of the "Visit Nepal Year 2023" initiative, the Nepal Tourism Board arranged a special reception for the tourists, featuring the captivating sounds of "Panche Baja", a collection of traditional musical instruments.

The first group of visitors arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport around 11:30 AM, welcomed with much enthusiasm. This initiative showcases Nepal's dedication to promoting tourism and its rich cultural heritage to the world.

Thanks to such hospitable greetings and the country's stunning natural attractions, Nepal remains a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.

Untapped Tourism Potential Between Bangladesh and Nepal

At a recent event, representatives from both Bangladesh and Nepal discussed the unrealized potential for collaboration in their tourism sectors. The event, called "Tourism Networking Reception," took place at the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka.

MA Muhit, a prominent Bangladeshi mountaineer, praised the warmth and hospitality of the Nepalese people. He noted that although many Bangladeshis are acquainted with Nepal's tourist sites, most Nepalese are not knowledgeable about popular Bangladeshi destinations like Cox's Bazar and the Sundarbans. This lack of familiarity results in a few Nepalese vacationers traveling to Bangladesh.

To address this issue, Muhit recommended that the Bangladesh Tourism Board and other parties actively advertise Bangladesh's tourist sites. Other event attendees, including tour operators, travel agents, journalists, and diplomats from both nations, shared this view. They felt that increased collaboration could benefit each country's tourism industry.

Bimal Kandel, Manager of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted how close geographically Bangladesh and Nepal are while lamenting that their shared tourism potential remains mostly unexploited. Mohiuddin Helal, a tourism entrepreneur, suggested the creation of joint tourism packages, allowing travelers to visit both countries in one trip—an idea that could expand to other BBIN nations (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal).

Acknowledging the cultural similarities between Bangladesh and Nepal, Helal confidently believed that cooperative initiatives would appeal to a larger international audience.

Historic data reveals considerable differences in tourist numbers between the two countries. For example, in 2019, roughly 25,000 Bangladeshis traveled to Nepal yearly, while only around 3,000 Nepalese tourists visited Bangladesh. The Nepal Tourism Board's highest number of Bangladeshi visitors was recorded in 2017 at 29,060. However, this figure decreased to 4,917 in 2020 and crept up to 5,044 in 2021 amid the pandemic. As of August 2023, Nepal has hosted 14,811 Bangladeshi visitors.

In comparison, the Bangladesh Tourism Board lacked updated inbound tourist data by country after 2019. That year, though, it registered its highest number since gaining independence—300,000 tourists—with only 2,974 hailing from Nepal.

Tourism Sector Analysis and Investment Opportunities

The tourism industry boasts numerous investment opportunities due to its direct and indirect economic impacts. Historical data indicates room for growth regarding tourist exchanges between Bangladesh and Nepal.

This potential presents investment options in infrastructural developments such as hotels, resorts, and transportation facilities. Proposing joint tourism packages could also boost the travel agency and tour operator sectors. Additionally, effective marketing campaigns promoting lesser-known attractions can attract more vacationers.

Furthermore, creative travel experiences can capitalize on the cultural and geographical closeness of both nations by blending their respective highlights. Such unique adventures would appeal particularly to tourists seeking diverse