Kathmandu: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is set to participate in the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) in London this year, marking its return after a two-year gap. The event, scheduled for November 5-7, 2024, is regarded as a crucial platform for promoting Nepal's unique travel destinations and increasing international market presence.

NTB's Chief Executive Officer, Deepak Raj Joshi, noted that re-engagement in such international forums has been a priority since he began his second term on September 8. The Board had been absent from key global tourism events like the WTM and ITB (International Tourism Exchange) due to procedural delays.

The WTM is the second-largest travel and tourism fair globally, following the ITB in Berlin, which is held annually in March. This year, NTB plans to include at least 30 companies in the event to showcase Nepal as an appealing tourist destination. Nepal has been participating in WTM for 40 years, with the NTB banner representing the country for the past 25 years.

Established under the Nepal Tourism Board Act of 2053 BS, NTB operates on a public-private partnership model, with approximately 70% of its Rs 2 billion annual budget dedicated to promoting Nepal in the international tourism market. The Board’s inability to participate in previous events stemmed from delays in the approval of procedures related to international program operations and procurement processes.