The fifth edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2025) concluded in Kathmandu on Thursday, 5th June, and was hailed as a resounding success by the global tourism community.
Running from 3rd to 5th June, the event drew over 700 delegates from 30 countries, including more than 100 international participants and a strong representation of national tourism stakeholders.
Centred on the theme Mountains, Milestones, and Momentum, HTM 2025 was a celebration of the PATA Nepal Chapter’s fifth year, and likewise set new standards in terms of international tourism collaboration, promotion, and momentum for sustainable tourism growth.
HTM 2025 brought together a distinguished gathering of international buyers, sellers, media, tourism professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders.
The enthusiastic participation likewise reaffirmed HTM’s position as the Himalayan region’s premier travel trade platform, further strengthening Nepal’s identity as the Gateway to the Himalayas.
Building networks in a single venue
Organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and various public and private sector partners, HTM 2025 featured a vibrant mix of business exchanges, knowledge-sharing sessions, networking opportunities, destination experience tours, and cultural showcases.
The event formally opened on 3rd June, officiated by Nepalese minister for culture, tourism, and civil aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, at The Soaltee Kathmandu.
In his keynote address, the Minister praised Nepal’s legacy as the Gateway to the Himalayas, highlighted the twin milestones of PATA Nepal’s Golden Jubilee and the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Annapurna, and reaffirmed the Nepalese government's commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism future through strong public-private partnerships and global cooperation.
He also applauded the cultural performance by Nepali artists, commending HTM as a powerful platform not only for tourism promotion but also as a source of inspiration for heritage conservation.
PATA Nepal Chapter chair Khem Lakai welcomed all delegates to the 5th Himalayan Travel Mart whilst expressing optimism about Nepal’s growing stature as a year-round travel destination while emphasizing the need for cross-border tourism alliances.
For his part, Nepal Tourism Board chief executive Deepak Raj Joshi highlighted Nepal’s vision for sustainable tourism, with a focus on developing new circuits and unique experiences for international travellers.
Keynote speaker Karna Sakya, founder of the KGH Group and a veteran entrepreneur in the Nepalese tourism sector, shared decades of wisdom and deep reflections on the evolution of Nepal’s tourism; while immediate past PATA Nepal chair Bibbuti Chand Thankur expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all partners and participants for their support in making HTM 2025 a resounding success.
