Nepal tourism at PATA Travel Mart 2026 took center stage as the country showcased its diverse travel experiences at one of Asia Pacific’s leading international tourism trade events. The PATA Nepal Chapter, Nepal Airlines and nine private-sector tourism companies promoted Nepal’s attractions at the event in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Held from August 18 to 20 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, PATA Travel Mart 2026 brought together more than 1,100 tourism delegates from 48 countries and destinations. The event created valuable opportunities for tourism businesses to connect with international buyers, explore new markets and establish long-term partnerships.
Nepal Tourism Highlights Its Diverse Attractions
Nepal used PATA Travel Mart 2026 to promote a tourism portfolio that goes well beyond Mount Everest. The Nepal Pavilion highlighted mountaineering, trekking, expeditions, spirituality, wellness, luxury travel, community-based tourism and immersive experiences.
This broader approach reflects Nepal’s efforts to attract different types of international travelers. While the Himalayas remain a major attraction, the country is increasingly promoting experiences focused on relaxation, spirituality, culture and personal transformation.
Wellness Tourism Takes Center Stage
One of the biggest highlights of Nepal’s participation was its focus on wellness tourism.
PTM 2026 marked the first international travel trade show where Nepali tourism exhibitors promoted wellness offerings alongside the country’s traditional tourism products. The initiative comes as Nepal prepares to celebrate 2027 as Wellness Year.
Nepal’s Himalayan environment, spiritual heritage and peaceful natural landscapes offer strong opportunities for wellness-focused travel. The country hopes to use this growing sector to attract visitors seeking relaxation, mindfulness, rejuvenation and transformative experiences.
Nepal Tourism Companies Join PTM 2026
Nine Nepali private-sector tourism companies participated alongside the PATA Nepal Chapter and Nepal Airlines.
The exhibitors included:
- Himalayan Holidays Nepal
- ExpeditionHimalaya.com
- Destinago Tours & Travels
- Royal Mountain Travel
- Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon
- Off the Wall Trekking
- Mountain Delight Treks & Expeditions
- Mountain Tiger Nepal
- Mission Nepal Holidays
Their participation allowed Nepali tourism businesses to present their products directly to international buyers and explore opportunities in new source markets.
More Than 4,000 Business Meetings
PATA Travel Mart 2026 generated significant business opportunities for participating destinations and tourism companies.
Across the two main Travel Mart days, buyers and sellers completed more than 4,000 scheduled business appointments. These meetings helped tourism businesses explore new partnerships, develop international connections and identify potential future markets.
The event included 221 buyers representing 215 companies from 29 source markets. More than 365 sellers also participated, representing over 200 organizations and destinations.
PATA Nepal Chapter Wins Award of Excellence
Nepal’s successful participation in PTM 2026 was followed by another major achievement. The PATA Nepal Chapter won the PATA Award of Excellence during the PATA Chapter and Student Chapter Awards Ceremony on August 17, 2026.
The ceremony was held at Commons Café, Old Court House, in Kuching, one day before PATA Travel Mart began.
The annual PATA Award of Excellence recognizes PATA Chapters and Student Chapters that demonstrate strong dedication to developing the travel and tourism industry across the Pacific Asia region.
Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Immediate Past Chairman of the PATA Nepal Chapter, described PTM 2026 as a fruitful event for Nepali exhibitors. He also highlighted the pride associated with receiving the international PATA award.
Nepal Promotes Himalayan Travel Mart 2027
The PATA Nepal Chapter also used the international event to promote the 7th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2027).
Nepal’s premier international travel trade show will take place from June 1 to 4, 2027, in Kathmandu. The event is expected to bring international tourism buyers and sellers together and provide another platform for promoting Nepal’s tourism industry.
The promotion of HTM 2027 at PTM 2026 could help Nepal build international interest ahead of the event.
PATA Travel Mart Strengthens Tourism Partnerships
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid emphasized the importance of creating meaningful business relationships at the Travel Mart. He noted that quality connections made during the event can develop into lasting partnerships.
For Nepal, these international connections are particularly important as the country expands its tourism offerings. New partnerships can help Nepali tourism companies reach additional markets while promoting lesser-known experiences.
Sarawak Hosts Major Tourism Event
Sarawak’s tourism leadership also welcomed the international tourism community to Kuching.
YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, described the event as an opportunity to strengthen Sarawak’s engagement with the international tourism community.
The hosting of PTM 2026 also demonstrated Kuching’s role as an important meeting point for tourism professionals from across the Asia Pacific region.
Nepal Tourism Looks Beyond Mount Everest
Nepal tourism at PATA Travel Mart 2026 demonstrated how the country is expanding its global tourism identity.
Everest and Himalayan adventures remain central to Nepal’s appeal. However, the country’s participation also showed a clear push toward wellness, spirituality, luxury travel, community tourism and immersive experiences.
This diversification could help Nepal appeal to a broader international audience. It also supports the country’s plans for Wellness Year 2027.
PTM 2027 Will Take Place in Macao
Following the conclusion of PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Sarawak, the next edition will take place in Macao from September 20 to 22, 2027.
For Nepal, PTM 2026 provided an important international platform to promote its tourism diversity, build business connections and highlight its upcoming tourism initiatives.
As Nepal prepares for Wellness Year 2027 and the Himalayan Travel Mart 2027, the country is positioning itself as a destination that offers much more than Everest. From Himalayan adventures to wellness retreats, spiritual journeys and community-based experiences, Nepal tourism is increasingly embracing a broader and more diverse global identity.
