CHITWAN: The Nepal Tourism Board has formally launched the first-ever Safari Mart in Meghauli, Chitwan, marking a new initiative to promote wildlife tourism in Nepal.
Organized in collaboration with local governments and tourism entrepreneurs, the inaugural “Wild Nepal Safari Mart 2026” was inaugurated with the aim of positioning Nepal’s wildlife tourism on the global stage.
Speaking at the event, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mukunda Prasad Niroula said the program presents an important opportunity to promote Nepal’s wildlife tourism internationally.
He said Nepal is not only known for its mountains but also for its rich biodiversity, living culture, and world-class wildlife tourism products.
Similarly, Acting Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City Chitrasen Adhikari said the municipality is committed to developing Chitwan and Meghauli as a global wildlife tourism hub, emphasizing the role of local government in sustainable infrastructure and community participation.
Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi described the event as a historic milestone in Nepal’s tourism journey, calling it a unique and responsible tourism initiative.
Vice Chair of the Board Ram Prasad Sapkota said the mart is not just a commercial event but a shared platform for tourism development, while Senior Manager Surya Thapaliya termed it a strategic platform for future growth.
International conservation expert Mohit Agrawal highlighted the growing global demand for responsible tourism, emphasizing the need for a balance between tourism and conservation.
Presentations were also made on opportunities and challenges in Chitwan’s tourism sector, while Chief Conservation Officer of Chitwan National Park Ganesh Pant briefed participants on conservation achievements and future priorities.
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