Agra: Tourism entrepreneurs from Nepal and India have pledged to work together to promote cross-border religious tourism, aiming to strengthen cultural ties and boost economic benefits for both countries.

At an interaction program organized in collaboration with the Embassy of India in Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Board of India, participants expressed their shared commitment to expanding partnerships for the promotion of religious tourism in the border areas.

Nepali entrepreneurs were recently invited to a six-day exposure visit to several prominent religious sites in India, including Mathura, Agra, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Banaras, and Ayodhya. This visit allowed tourism stakeholders from both sides to discuss opportunities, challenges, and potential collaborative strategies.

Akash Deep, Additional Strategic Officer of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, emphasized that such initiatives would strengthen cooperation for tourism development in both nations. Kaushlendra Singh, General Secretary of the Agra Travel Agents Association, highlighted the untapped potential of religious tourism between Nepal and India, pledging to encourage Indian tourists to explore Nepal's religious and natural attractions.

NTB Senior Manager Shraddha Shrestha remarked that the event was aimed at fostering cooperation between tourism entrepreneurs and promoting the inter-country tourism market. Meanwhile, Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah announced plans to develop Ayodhya and Janakpur as part of the Ramayana Circuit, a major project to attract Hindu pilgrims.

Tourism entrepreneur Maya Prasad Bhatta stressed the need for collaboration to promote lesser-known destinations in Nepal's far-western region, such as Badhimalika and Khaptad, alongside jungle safari offerings.

Promotional events were also held in Varanasi, where Santosh Kumar Singh, President of the Varanasi Tourism Guild, urged both countries to capitalize on their centuries-old cultural and religious ties. He also encouraged Nepali Hindu tourists to participate in the Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years in India.

Singh pointed out that many Indian tourists are eager to visit Nepal, but improvements in road infrastructure are necessary to facilitate their journeys. Echoing this sentiment, Deputy Director of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department R.K. Rawat described the collaborative initiatives as inspiring and underscored the importance of continuing such exchanges.

A formal program in Lucknow, hosted by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, provided a platform for government agencies and private sector entrepreneurs to discuss future tourism strategies and share business experiences.

Nepal previously hosted Indian tourism entrepreneurs to introduce them to Nepal’s religious and natural attractions. Both sides have now committed to organizing such programs annually, aiming to establish a structured and sustainable partnership for religious tourism promotion.

The initiative underscores the shared heritage of Nepal and India, serving as a bridge to deepen economic and cultural ties through tourism.