Indo Nepal Wedding Summit" starts in Kathmandu to Promote Wedding Tourism

KATHMANDU, Nov 03:Nepal Tourism Board is taking an innovative approach to boost tourism by positioning itself as a preferred wedding destination for Indian citizens. In an effort to attract more Indian weddings, the Board has organized the Indo-Nepal Wedding Summit 2023. The summit aims to provide comprehensive information on the facilities that the Nepalese government can offer for weddings in Nepal, including the conditions of hotels and resorts.

Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, the Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, commented on the new initiative, stating that weddings can be hosted at all five-star and four-star hotels across the country. Additionally, it is customary to hold post-wedding parties in star hotels, further enhancing the appeal for Indian couples seeking a memorable wedding experience.

India's wedding industry is thriving, with middle-class families spending between Rs 1 crore  and 10 crore on such events. Although Thailand is currently the preferred location for Indian weddings, with over 1000 grand weddings taking place there, there is a growing trend towards having destination weddings abroad, with a recent 20% increase in such weddings. Nepal, with its open border and proximity to India, is poised to become an ideal wedding destination for Indian couples.

The Nepalese government's move to promote wedding tourism in Nepal presents ample opportunities for various businesses. Nepalese entrepreneurs in the garment and jewelry sectors can benefit from the influx of Indian weddings, with the possibility of bringing in gold and sarees, which are commonly used in Indian weddings. Event management companies and related businesses can also capitalize on this trend, further contributing to the growth of Nepal's economy through increased tourism.

The Indo-Nepal Wedding Summit 2023 offers a promising platform for creating business partnerships between Nepalese and Indian wedding planners and stakeholders in the tourism industry. The event has attracted high-profile attendees, the company that organized the wedding of famous Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan/Aishwarya Rai and famous businessman Mukesh Ambani's son is also participating in the event. A series of business promotion programs, including various business sessions, will take place during the two-day conference to facilitate networking and collaboration between stakeholders from both Nepal and India.

Sumit Garg, President of India's leading Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), expressed his belief that Nepal and India are ideal wedding destinations due to their cultural and lifestyle similarities. The summit is expected to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and bring about substantial business benefits for both sides.

The Indo-Nepal Wedding Summit 2023 showcases the Nepal Tourism Board's innovative strategies to target new markets and elevate the country's tourism industry. With its world-class facilities, exceptional cultural experiences, and breathtaking locations, Nepal is poised to emerge as a sought-after wedding destination. This new focus on wedding tourism is expected to open up new opportunities and pave the way for a prosperous future for Nepal's tourism industry.a