KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has pledged to establish Nepal as a global centre for Buddhism and spiritual tourism.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM), Minister Pandey highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Key initiatives include developing major Buddhist circuits such as Kapilvastu, Ramgram, Devdaha, and Tilaurakot, and promoting Lumbini as the “International City of Peace.”
Efforts are also underway to expand road networks in the region and enhance air connectivity through Gautam Buddha International Airport.
Minister Pandey emphasized Nepal’s role in spreading Buddha’s message of peace and revealed discussions with UNESCO to prevent Lumbini from being placed on the endangered list, alongside efforts to have Tilaurakot recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Tourism leaders including Koshi Province Minister Sadananda Mandal and Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi echoed support for positioning Nepal as a spiritual destination. Over 100 tourism stakeholders from South and Southeast Asia are participating in the three-day event.
Former NATTA presidents were honoured during the event, which aims to rejuvenate Buddhist tourism in the region.
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