KATHMANDU: Nepal showcased its tourism attractions and connected with international travel trade partners at the PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2026, held from August 18 to 20 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

The PATA Nepal Chapter, in collaboration with Nepal Airlines and nine private-sector travel companies, represented Nepal at the three-day international business-to-business travel trade event through a dedicated Nepal Pavilion. The participation provided Nepali tourism companies with an opportunity to meet global buyers, explore new markets and develop business partnerships.

PTM 2026 brought together more than 1,100 tourism delegates from 48 countries and destinations at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. The event featured business appointments between buyers and sellers from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

The Nepali exhibitors promoted a range of tourism products, including mountaineering, trekking, spiritual tourism, luxury travel and community-based tourism. During two days of B2B sessions, representatives of Nepali companies held meetings with international buyers and travel trade partners, according to the PATA Nepal Chapter.

The chapter said the participation generated meaningful connections and potential collaborations, while providing a platform to strengthen Nepal's visibility in international tourism markets.

The event also offered delegates an opportunity to experience Sarawak's cultural and culinary heritage. The “Soul of Borneo” Gala Dinner, hosted by Sarawak's Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, featured indigenous music and dance as well as local cuisine. The Nepal delegation also took part in networking and other activities alongside the trade sessions.

PTM 2026 was held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching from August 18 to 20 and marked the first time PATA's flagship travel trade event was hosted in Sarawak. The programme included a Knowledge Forum, business sessions and networking opportunities aimed at developing new partnerships and expanding tourism markets.

The Nepal participation came shortly after the PATA Nepal Chapter received the PATA Award of Excellence 2026 at the PATA Chapter and Student Chapter Awards ceremony in Kuching on August 17, a day before PTM opened. The award recognised the chapter's contribution to the development and promotion of tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

The chapter said its participation at PTM 2026 further reinforced its efforts to promote Nepal as a diverse destination and strengthen cooperation between Nepali tourism businesses and international travel partners.