Nepal Showcases Wildlife Tourism Vision at Wild Nepal Safari Mart 2026

Nepal has taken a bold step in promoting its wildlife tourism sector through the successful conclusion of the first-ever Wild Nepal Safari Mart 2026, held in Meghauli, Chitwan from April 24 to 26 under the theme “Rare, Remarkable and Responsible.”

In a significant shift from conventional destination marketing, Nepal showcased its national parks and protected areas on the global tourism stage, highlighting a new vision where tourism and conservation move together.

The three-day international event was organized by the Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with Bharatpur Metropolitan City and Regional Hotel Association Nepal, Chitwan. It welcomed international buyers, conservation leaders, tourism professionals, and delegates from India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Turkey, and Germany.

The Mart featured B2B networking meetings, jungle field visits, cultural showcases, and strategic discussions focused on wildlife tourism, sustainability, and responsible travel.

Speaking at the event, global tourism leader Bulut Bagci praised Nepal’s unique diversity, saying tourism is the “green oil” for countries as it attracts direct foreign investment. He noted Nepal’s rare ability to offer plains, jungle, and hills within a short travel distance, making Chitwan a remarkable destination where biodiversity, climate, and culture blend naturally.

Nepal Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi said the event represented more than destination promotion.

“Today marks not just the promotion of destinations, but a celebration of a vision where tourism and conservation walk hand in hand,” he said.

He emphasized that responsible tourism must protect ecosystems, empower local communities, and remain climate-conscious, inclusive, and ethical.

Wardens from several protected areas also shared future opportunities.

Bhupendra Yadav, Warden of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, highlighted the reserve’s international significance as a Ramsar site with over 535 bird species and said it could become Asia’s leading birdwatching hub.

Chandra Shekhar Chaudhary, Warden of Shuklaphanta National Park, pointed to its vast grasslands and strong wildlife population, saying the tourism potential remains largely untapped.

Ramchandra Khatiwada, Warden of Parsa National Park, stressed regional collaboration and proposed integrated tourism packages connecting Chitwan and Parsa.

At the strategic level, NTB Senior Manager Surya Thapaliya said Nepal is now moving toward product-based tourism marketing.

He introduced the Greater Chitwan Concept, aimed at linking multiple destinations into one stronger tourism circuit. He also highlighted Nepal’s open border with India as a natural advantage for regional tourism growth and revealed plans to connect at least six national parks into a unified safari experience.

Delegates also enjoyed cultural performances and wildlife experiences, leaving with strong impressions of Chitwan as an emerging premium safari destination.

With the successful conclusion of Wild Nepal Safari Mart 2026, Nepal has positioned its wildlife tourism sector on a new global platform — promoting not only destinations, but a responsible and sustainable tourism future.