Tourism stakeholders have emphasized the need for a dedicated spiritual tourism package and stronger promotional campaigns to boost tourism in the Lumbini region and create new economic and employment opportunities.
The call was made during the Nepal–India Tourism Journalists Interaction Program, organized by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Lumbini in Butwal. Speakers highlighted the importance of developing affordable pilgrimage packages targeting Indian tourists while enhancing promotional efforts in the Indian market.
Butwal Metropolitan City Mayor Khel Raj Pandey said Nepal has immense potential to attract millions of Indian pilgrims by promoting a religious tourism corridor linking Kali Gandaki, Muktinath, and other sacred destinations.
He proposed integrating major spiritual and historical sites—including Lumbini, Rani Mahal in Palpa, Swargadwari in Pyuthan, Siddhababa in Rupandehi, the sacred Kali Gandaki Shaligram pilgrimage route, Muktinath, Resunga in Gulmi, and Supadeurali in Arghakhanchi—into a single, affordable pilgrimage package for domestic and international visitors.
Rupandehi District Police Chief Janak Bahadur Shahi assured Indian visitors that Nepal remains a safe destination and encouraged them to travel confidently throughout the country.
Hotel Hyatt Butwal Chairman Chunnu Prasad Poudel said the hospitality sector continues to offer special services to visitors to promote Nepal's spiritual, natural, and historical tourism attractions.
Meanwhile, Amit Tripathi, President of the Maharajganj Press Club in India, pledged to strengthen coordination and promotional efforts in India to help attract more Indian tourists to Nepal.
The interaction concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing Nepal–India tourism cooperation and positioning Lumbini and western Nepal as leading spiritual tourism destinations.
