Promoting Buddhist tourism in Lumbini is govt priority: Minister Pandey

Kathmandu, May 23

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has said that the government is committed to making Nepal a centre for Buddhist culture heritage and an attractive destination of spiritual tourists.

He made this remark while inaugurating the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM) 2025 on Friday.

The BITM organised with the aim of establishing Nepal as a world centre for Buddhism, spirituality and peace tourism will continue till May 25

The BITM is an annual event organised by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA).  

"The time has come to spread the message of peace that began in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, from Nepal to the world again," Minister Pandey said.

He said that Lumbini will be developed as an 'International City of Peace' and the government is committed to this.

Similarly, priority has been given to Buddhist tourism in Lumbini, focusing on major circuits including Kapilvastu, Ramgram, Devdaha, and Tilaurakot.

Minister Pandey said that work was underway to establish regular flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport and increase easier access to the road network to promote Buddhist tourism.

He said, "Referring to the latest dialogue with the UNESCO representative, we have urged them not place Lumbini on the list of dangerous sites. In addition, the government is taking initiatives to include Tilaurakot in the UNESCO potential list."

He urged those wishing for world peace to visit Nepal, as the country is on a journey towards a new era of peace and prosperity.

On the occasion, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal, urged stakeholders to promote Nepal as a premier Buddhist tourism hub.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage, including the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini, and other sacred sites like Tilaurakot, Ramgram, Bouddha and Swoyambhu.

“This mart will be instrumental in promoting Nepali Buddhist tourist destinations at an international level and extend the stay of tourists in Lumbini,” Dhakal said.

He highlighted the potential of service and trade exchanges between international buyers and national sellers in the tourism sector.

Dhakal also urged for the further development of BITM, which began in 2019 under the leadership of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), as a strong brand to establish Nepal as a key destination for Buddhist tourism.

He underscored the need to build a Buddhist Circuit connecting Nepal’s sites with pilgrimage locations in India to attract the large Buddhist populations in neighbouring countries.

“If we can encourage Buddhists worldwide to visit Lumbini at least once, it could transform Nepal’s tourism landscape,” he added.

Highlighting infrastructure challenges, he called for the effective operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport, which has faced operational delays despite significant investment.

He also raised concerns over connectivity issues and high airfare costs, exacerbated by government-imposed VAT on tickets. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 May 2025.