KATHMANDU: Nepal has completed a two-city tourism promotion and business exchange programme in Japan, with events held in Tokyo on April 2 and Osaka on April 5, bringing together tourism industry representatives from Nepal, Japan, and Chinese Taipei.

Jointly organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter and Nepal Tourism Board in collaboration with Nepal Airlines Corporation, PATA Japan Chapter, and PATA Chinese Taipei Chapter, the Nepal Tourism Promotion and B2B Exchange Program 2026 was held at the Rihga Royal Hotel in both cities. The initiative also marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.

The Tokyo event drew approximately 90 participants, including a 23-member Nepali delegation representing 12 leading tourism and hospitality companies. The Osaka leg brought together over 60 participants. Across both events, Nepal showcased its adventure, nature, culture, spirituality, and luxury tourism offerings. Leading Japanese travel industry organisations including JTB and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) participated, reflecting growing interest in Nepal among Japanese travellers.

Formal sessions featured the national anthems of both countries and remarks from representatives of the three PATA chapters and the Embassy of Nepal in Tokyo. The Nepal Tourism Board delivered a destination presentation, while additional sessions covered the upcoming sixth Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2026) and Nepal Airlines Corporation's connectivity offerings. Cultural showcases and product presentations rounded out the programme.

B2B exchange sessions in both cities facilitated direct engagement between Nepali sellers and buyers from Japan and Chinese Taipei, with the aim of building partnerships and increasing tourist arrivals to Nepal.

"Japan remains a highly valued source market for Nepal, and initiatives like these play a crucial role in building trust, strengthening partnerships, and creating meaningful business linkages," said Narendra Bhatta, PATA Nepal General Secretary and NTB Executive Committee Member.

PATA Japan Chapter Chairman Tony Ishida welcomed the Nepali delegation and stressed the importance of continued inter-chapter collaboration, while PATA Chinese Taipei Chapter Chairperson Ben Liao described the tri-chapter initiative as a promising beginning and invited delegates from Nepal and Japan to visit Taiwan in the near future.

Both programmes concluded with networking sessions aimed at strengthening professional ties and people-to-people connections.