Chitwan, In a significant shift from conventional destination marketing, Nepal positioned its national parks on the global stage through the first-ever Wild Nepal Safari Mart 2026, held in Meghauli from April 24 to 26 under the theme “Rare, Remarkable and Responsible.” The three-day event, hosted in Chitwan, concluded on April 26, marking a new direction in promoting Nepal’s wildlife tourism.
The event was organized by the Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with Bharatpur Metropolitan City and Regional Hotel Association Nepal, Chitwan. It brought together international buyers, conservation leaders, and tourism entrepreneurs, with delegates arriving from India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Turkey, and Germany. The Mart focused on wildlife, conservation, and tourism, featuring B2B meetings, field visits, and cultural programs. It received strong praise from both domestic and international participants.
Delivering special remarks, Bulut Bagci said, “Tourism is the green oil for countries. It brings direct foreign direct investment to destinations.” He also reflected on Nepal’s unique weather variation, noting that the transition from plains to jungle and nearby hills within a short distance creates a distinctive travel experience. Sharing his impressions, he described Chitwan as a destination where climate, biodiversity, and culture come together seamlessly. He further emphasized that such diversity strengthens Nepal’s global tourism appeal and opens opportunities for year-round visitation.
NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi framed the vision during the उद्घाटन ceremony. “Today marks not just the promotion of destinations, but a celebration of a vision where tourism and conservation walk hand in hand,” he said. “Responsible tourism means protecting ecosystems, empowering communities, and ensuring tourism remains climate-conscious, inclusive, and ethical.”
Wardens from key protected areas shared ground realities and opportunities. From Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Warden Bhupendra Yadav highlighted its global value. “Koshi Tappu is a biodiversity-rich Ramsar site. It hosts over 535 bird species and can become Asia’s birding hub,” he said, adding, “We must focus on high-value, low-impact tourism.” From Shuklaphanta National Park, Warden Chandra Shekhar Chaudhary pointed to untapped potential. “We have Nepal’s largest grasslands and strong wildlife populations. The tourism scope is significant,” he said. From Parsa National Park, Warden Ramchandra Khatiwada stressed integration. “Chitwan and Parsa have no competition. We will connect destinations and share packages,” he said, adding, “An integrated tourism system is the way forward to promote Parsa National Park.”
Tourism entrepreneurs and international delegates also shared optimism. Delegates noted that Chitwan is evolving as a premium wildlife destination with authentic and well-managed experiences.
At the policy and strategy level, NTB Senior Manager Surya Thapaliya outlined the broader vision. “This is a strategic move. We are shifting towards product-based marketing,” he said. “The Greater Chitwan concept will connect multiple destinations into one strong circuit.” He highlighted cross-border tourism opportunities, stating, “Nepal has an open border with India. This creates a natural advantage for regional tourism flows. We are looking at linking at least six national parks into a unified safari experience.” Thapaliya stressed branding and positioning, adding, “Safari tourism in Nepal is multidimensional. We must coin and promote it as a strong national product.”
The Mart also featured cultural performances and field visits. Delegates experienced local traditions and wildlife firsthand. The combination of business engagement and immersive experiences left a strong impression. Overall, the Wild Nepal Safari Mart 2026 has positioned Nepal’s wildlife tourism on a new global stage. The Nepal Tourism Board stated that Nepal is not just promoting destinations, but advancing a responsible tourism model.
