Siliguri, India. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has been honored with the prestigious “Tourism Abode of the Eastern Himalayas” Award at the 9th edition of Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) 2026, held in Siliguri, India. The three-day tourism mart took place from January 9 to 11 at The Cinderella Hotel.
The award recognizes Nepal’s successful positioning as a leading experiential tourism destination in the Eastern Himalayan region. According to NTB, the recognition reflects the board’s consistent promotional efforts to strengthen Nepal’s tourism identity in the Eastern Himalayas at an international level.
Organized by the Eastern Himalayan Travel and Tour Operators Association (EHTTOA), BTM is regarded as one of Eastern India’s most important tourism trade platforms. The event brought together tourism entrepreneurs, media professionals, and stakeholders from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
At BTM 2026, the Nepal Tourism Board was joined by Nepali travel trade companies and tourism representatives from Koshi and Madhesh Provinces. During the event, Nepali exhibitors showcased special tourism packages, services, and activities targeted at the West Bengal market, creating opportunities to expand business ties with Indian and Bhutanese buyers.
Through the Nepal stall, visitors were introduced to new tourism products from Koshi and Madhesh Provinces, supported by the distribution of promotional materials including travel information, maps, posters, and souvenirs.
The NTB delegation included Senior Director Maniraj Lamichhane, Senior Manager Khadga Bikram Shah, and supporting staff member Surendra Singh Lama. Prior to the mart, on January 7, a press conference was held at the Siliguri Journalists’ Club, where Senior Director Lamichhane briefed local media on Nepal’s tourism potential.
Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony, Lamichhane highlighted Nepal’s diverse tourism offerings and referred to upcoming campaigns such as “Visit Koshi Year 2082” and “Visit Madhesh 2083,” inviting participants to visit Nepal.
On the evening of January 10, a special “Nepal Night Cultural Program” was organized to promote Nepal as an attractive destination for Indian tourists. Senior Director Lamichhane delivered the welcome address, encouraging visitors to choose Nepal for their upcoming holidays, while Senior Manager Shah presented on Nepal’s key attractions and activities, with special emphasis on border-linked areas, Koshi, and Madhesh Provinces. The program also featured traditional Nepali cultural dances.
As a gesture of goodwill and friendship, representatives from the Nepal Tourism Board and the provincial teams of Koshi and Madhesh presented tokens of appreciation to Dr. Prerna Chamling, Additional Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of the Sikkim Government; Karma Wangdi, Marketing Manager of the Department of Tourism, Bhutan; Sandipa Ghosh, President of BTM; and Suresh Thakuri, President of EHTTOA.
The Nepal Tourism Board stated that participation in BTM 2026 has been a significant achievement in further strengthening Nepal–India cross-border tourism cooperation and expanding Nepal’s tourism presence in the Eastern Himalayan region.
