Nepal Open for Tourism: Ambassador Encourages Travel After Floods
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The resilience of the Himalayan nation’s leisure and travel sector was officially highlighted during a prominent regional event. Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari addressed the public and industry representatives while speaking as a special guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF). This high-profile exhibition was launched in Dhaka at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) and scheduled to run from September 17-19. The official commentary was delivered in the wake of recent flash floods in Nepal, addressing concerns regarding regional travel safety and operational continuity. The event itself was endorsed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and supported by BPC and the Bangladesh Tourism Board, providing a fitting platform to discuss transnational cooperation and cross-border mobility.
Impact on Travellers
Global explorers and holidaymakers are being provided with continuous assurance regarding travel safety and convenience. Ambassador Ghanashyam Bhandari explicitly emphasized that Nepal is completely open to visitors, urging them to proceed with their travel plans without hesitation. Despite weather-related challenges such as recent flash floods in Nepal, prospective travelers are informed that basic leisure infrastructure remains accessible. Furthermore, attendees at the 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) in Dhaka are exposed to diverse promotional offerings, special travel packages, and direct consultations with foreign delegations, making it easier for vacationers to plan seamless itineraries to the region.
Industry Insights
Commercial stakeholders and destination management organizations are gaining valuable perspectives on cross-border cooperation. A 10-member delegation comprising representatives from Nepali tour operators and travel agencies is actively participating in the 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) to strengthen regional networks. The ongoing three-day event in Dhaka features over 200 organizations from 10 countries across nearly 300 booths in three exhibition halls. Hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agents, airlines, public and private tourism bodies, and foreign missions are showcasing their commercial capabilities, demonstrating how regional tourism markets recover collectively from environmental disruptions and infrastructure hurdles.
Practical Information
Event details indicate that the three-day 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) 2026 opened on Thursday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). The exhibition is graced by prominent dignitaries, including Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, who addressed the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. Visitors exploring the venue can access a wide array of travel services and promotional packages offered by international participants. Additionally, vibrant cultural performances representing Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines are scheduled to be held every evening to engage attendees and celebrate regional diversity.
Comparison with Previous Policies or Developments
In contrast to historical periods when severe weather events or natural disruptions led to immediate international travel restrictions or sweeping warnings, current administrative approaches favor proactive reassurance and operational continuity. Rather than implementing travel bans following recent flash floods in Nepal, diplomatic channels are actively encouraging sustained mobility. The robust participation of a 10-member delegation of Nepali tour operators at the 13th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) in Dhaka reflects a progressive shift toward resilience-building, mutual economic support, and reinforced bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal.