Kathmandu: Nepal’s tourism capital, Pokhara, has inaugurated its first-ever tri-nation tourism expo, NICE–2025 (Nepal India China Expo), starting today. Organized in collaboration between the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter, the event is being held from February 24 to 26 in Pokhara.
The expo has brought together over 80 international buyers, 70 sellers, and 75 exhibitors, with a total participation of more than 600 delegates. The event is coordinated by the Pokhara Tourism Council along with various government and private sector partners and stakeholders. This expo aims to bring together tourism and hospitality stakeholders from government and private sectors of Nepal, India, and China on a single platform, fostering networking, business collaborations, and experience-sharing opportunities among industry professionals.
NICE–2025 is set to enhance connections among travel trade organizations while facilitating discussions and collaborative efforts to boost tourism activities across the three nations. The expo also provides pre-event destination experience tours for international buyers and representatives visiting Nepal. Nepal Tourism Board’s CEO, Deepak Raj Joshi, stated that hosting the first-ever tri-nation tourism expo in Nepal is not just an event but a moment of great pride for the entire tourism industry. He added, “This expo has brought together two of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets—India and China—right here in Nepal, demonstrating the unified efforts of the tourism industry.”
Known as Nepal’s tourism capital, Pokhara is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The city is famous for its stunning lakes, breathtaking mountain views, and thrilling adventure activities. Situated at an altitude of approximately 822 meters above sea level, Pokhara is often referred to as the “City of Lakes” and the “Gateway to the Himalayas and Trekking.” Among the 14 highest peaks in the world, three—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu—can be viewed from Pokhara, adding to its scenic charm. Under the theme “NICE for MICE and More,” this expo aims to position Pokhara not only as a hub for trekking and adventure tourism but also as an emerging destination for MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions, weddings, festivals, fairs, and trade shows).
On the second day of the expo (February 25), the Knowledge Forum will host discussions on crucial topics such as Visa Destination Insights: Supporting the Tourism Ecosystem and Sustainable Hospitality: From Construction to Operation. Tourism experts will engage in knowledge-sharing sessions, benefiting tourism entrepreneurs, industry specialists, and stakeholders in understanding market trends and enhancing service offerings. On the third and final day, the expo will focus on B2B meetings and business networking sessions, facilitating business deals and collaborations.
The primary objective of NICE–2025 is to attract a higher number of tourists from India and China, two of the most economically powerful and tourism-driven nations. By leveraging immense tourism potential and integrated business promotion, this event aims to create new opportunities for Nepal’s tourism sector. This initiative will further strengthen trade relations and foster business networks in the fields of tourism, hospitality, and related industries among Nepal, India, and China.
