Remarks by the Consul General
Tourism Promotion and Networking Event
New York, 11 July 2025
Excellency Ambassador
Esteemed Members of the PATA, New York Chapter,
Esteemed SKAL Members,
Esteemed ASTA Members,
Our Valued Tourism, Travel and Airlines Entrepreneurs,
Distinguished Travel Writer,
Friends from the Media,
Friends of Nepal,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaste, and very good evening.
I would like to thank you for your presence by accepting our invitation at such short notice.
At the outset, let me extend the warmest welcome to you all at the Consulate General of Nepal in New York.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Nepal Tourism Board and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), New York Chapter for collaborating with the Consulate to promote Nepal’s tourism in New York.
This is a kickstart event to a series of promotional activities and deliberations scheduled for the coming days on elevating Nepal-US economic partnership and tapping the potential of collaboration.
We have carefully chosen today’s theme – Nepal: a favourite travel destination for US visitors – to highlight the ongoing trends and pursue the potential of the US market for Nepal’s tourism and travel industry.
This event has two main objectives: Firstly, as a newcomer to New York, I came here last month, I wish to introduce myself to our esteemed partners in the travel and tourism industry and explore possibilities for collaboration to pursue my mandate as the Consul General of Nepal in New York.
Secondly, we aim to showcase Nepal as a favourite destination to US visitors. By doing so, we wish to promote Nepal and brand it to prospective travellers.
Dear Friends,
The tourism sector is a vital growth engine with far-reaching socio-economic impacts. This sector prominently features in diplomats’ professional life to showcase their country’s image abroad.
Although our two countries are geographically distant, Nepal’s towering Himalayas, dense forests, and unique biodiversity have remained sources of attraction for American visitors. Every visitor who explores Nepal’s hinterlands and high Himalayas has contributed to Nepal’s economy and strengthened our people-to-people contacts. This relationship is firmly grounded in the almost eight decades of diplomatic and economic ties between Nepal and the USA.
Nepal is renowned for its guest-welcoming culture. ‘अतिथी देवो भवः’ (Guests are like our gods) is our tradition. The country is a land of cultural and ecological diversity. Cultural events are an integral part of life, with colourful festivals and traditions woven into daily living and our connection to nature.
Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural diversity speak for themselves. Its breathtaking mountains and pristine landscapes continually attract visitors from around the world. Given the country’s favourable climate and extraordinary natural beauty, Nepal offers leisure, adventure and exploration choices for people of all backgrounds.
Friends,
The ecological zones of Nepal are famous for wildlife, flora, and fauna, including endangered species such as the one-horned Rhino, Bengal Tiger, and Snow Leopard. This has positioned Nepal as an attractive destination for live event tourism and eco-tourism. The country has also pioneered community-based tourism.
Nepal’s community-managed hospitality—widely known as the Community Homestays Network—is now world-famous. Recently, it featured in Time Magazine as ‘The World’s Greatest Places, 2025.’ This community-operated tourism enterprise is the fastest way to feel the pulse of a destination. It connects travellers with local families and provides opportunities for lifelong friendships.
Similarly, in 2024, Nepal featured in the same segment of Time Magazine for a more sustainable future in tourism by blending micro-conservancy style, minimising human wildlife conflict and ecological footprint. Ms. Eric Levin, who wrote this story for the Magazine, is here with us. Today, we listen to her feelings about Nepal. I know Nepal is dearer to your heart. Thank you, Eric, for accepting my invitation despite your busy schedule to arrange everything for your move to Montreal tomorrow.
Dear Guests,
Tourism holds a prominent place in Nepal’s economy and has multiplier effects throughout society. It extends beyond airlines and hospitality sectors, linking to local economies and supporting farmers, food service providers, women entrepreneurs, retailers, and small businesses.
Nepal maintains a long and robust relationship with America. Our economic partnership continues to grow, with tremendous scope for further expansion. The United States is the second-largest source of international tourists, with over 110,000 American citizens visiting Nepal last year alone. In June 2025, nearly 10,000 Americans travelled to Nepal. This trend indicates persistent interest among US visitors. It encourages and presents us with abundant opportunities to promote Nepal in America.
Nepal appeals uniquely to adventure enthusiasts, mountaineers, and spiritual seekers. The government prioritises promoting wellness and spiritual tourism. As you may know, the country has a legacy of meditation and contemplation in the shadows of the world’s tallest mountains, seeking enlightenment and spiritual solace. Looking ahead, we are celebrating the Visit Nepal Decade 2023-2032 with a target to welcome 3.5 million tourists annually.
This event has been organised to align with the growing interest of US visitors to Nepal, the evolving nature of travel, and Nepal’s distinctive capacity to offer nature and spiritual-based travel packages. Tourism entrepreneurs are crucial in showcasing and branding Nepal’s unique offerings. The value of partnership and collaboration matters a lot in this endeavour.
Tourism is a sector that connects people and fosters partnerships. To increase tourism, we must collaborate with travel and tourism entrepreneurs and garner support from media personalities and travel writers. Today, we have made a modest effort to bring such personalities together in this hall to deliberate and help project, promote, and brand Nepal’s tourism potential.
We will make some presentations about Nepal shortly. My office is always available to provide updates on Nepal’s tourism and work with you to promote Nepal in the US.
Before I conclude, allow me to express my most profound appreciation for your valuable presence. We look forward to working with you in the days ahead to promote and brand Nepal as a premium travel destination for US visitors.
Thank you all for your attention.
