Buddhist International Travel Mart to starts from May 11

KATHMANDU, May 08: The International Travel Mart is holding its second edition in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) will organize the second edition of the 'Buddhist International Travel Mart' or 'BITM' in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, with the cooperation of the Nepal Tourism Board. BITM was previously held for the first time in 2019.

The originator of BITM and former chairman of NATTA, Achyut Guragain, announced that approximately 40 countries' tourism experts, businesses, and tour operators will participate in the mart, which will begin on May 11, 2023.

He claims that the market, which will begin on May 11th, will go until May 13th. According to Guragai, this program will play a significant role in increasing international awareness of Nepal's tourist sector.

"BITM Lumbini is a major event in Nepal, just like WTM in London and ITB Berlin in Germany, which are currently running globally," he said.

Ramesh Thapa, president of NATTA stated that preparations for the Buddhist International Travel Mart are progressing quickly. President Thapa stated that preparations have been advanced by having Buddhist philosophy experts in Natta's central office. He also stated that foreign specialists and guests visiting BITM have been invited.

We are now in the final stages of planning BITM. All preparations have been accelerated with the support and collaboration of the tourism board, he said, adding that numerous committees are being formed under the coordination of NATTA's senior vice president.

Minister of Federal Government, Secretary of Tourism, CEO of Tourism Board Dr. Dhananjaya Regmi, tourism businessmen from seven provinces, young tourism businessmen from various districts, journalists, artists, and tourism campaigners will all be in attendance, according to Kumar Thapaliya, general secretary of NATTA .

The second NATTA-organized BITM is a key event in Nepal's tourist industry. "It plays a significant role in promoting Nepal's tourism sector on a global scale," he said.