Nepal Tourism at ITE Hong Kong 2026: Adventure & Culture

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with eight travel companies from Nepal, concluded a successful four-day participation at the International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong 2026, held from June 11 to June 14, 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The travel companies came prepared and showcased the country’s offerings to international buyers. This international travel expo served as a critical platform to strengthen Nepal tourism positioning in Asian markets and beyond.

The Nepalese delegation was overseen by Nepal Tourism Board and comprised of 8 companies representing Nepal.

• Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, which highlighted their pioneering event- the Everest and Pokhara skydives
• Nepal Big Mountain Travel Co. Pvt. Ltd.
•  The Trek Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
• Dragon Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
•  High Peak Adventure
•  Scenic Adventure Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
•  Himalaya Summit Club Pvt. Ltd.

The Nepal Tourism Board team was represented by Mr. Khem Raj Timalsena (Senior Officer, Nepal Tourism Board) and Mr. Narayan Prasad Basyal.

What Is ITE Hong Kong?

First launched some 40 years ago, the annual ITE in 2026 is its 6th live edition since Covid-19. Asia’s leading international travel fair, ITE has been maintaining separate programs, promotions and days for trade and public visitors including in pandemic years.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal received more than 1.147 million inbound tourists in 2024, of which the number of Chinese tourists surged by 67.3% to 101,879, which is a significant growth driven by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (Chan & Bhatta, 2023). This is significant for the Nepal Tourism Industry and for Nepal as a tourism destination. In January 2025, the number of Chinese tourists increased by 12.7 percent over 2024, further highlighting the deepening tourism cooperation between China and Nepal. In recent years, Nepal has accelerated the upgrading of the hotel industry, and international chain brands such as IHG, Marriott and Hilton have entered Nepal. Over the 2024-2025 period, Nepal added more than a dozen four and five-star hotels, increasing the annual capacity to 3.5 million visitors. As one of the most popular tourist destinations offering adventure tourism of different types in Asia and even the world, Nepal offers countless possibilities for tourists to explore (Nepal, 2016). The government has actively promoted the integration of “cultural tourism and sustainable tourism”, and developed diversified tourism products such as hiking tours and wildlife viewing tours. In addition, Nepal is not only famous for mountain climbing, but also offers a variety of adventure tourism activities, including rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, and bungee jumping (Aryal, 2019).

As one of the international financial and trade centers, Hong Kong embraced with an excellent economic basis, coupled with the convenient travel passport visa-free policy which covers more than 170 countries and regions worldwide, making Hong Kong residents’ average outbound travel frequency and consumption ranking among the top in the world. In 2019, Hong Kong’s per capita outbound travel consumption reached 3,586.7 US dollars.

According to the 2024 Hong Kong Outbound Tourism Report, from January to October, Hong Kong residents made 85.18 million outbound trips, which is a rapid growth compared with last year. Although the overall market has recovered well, the recovery rate of outbound travel package tours is still relatively slow, only recovering to about 50 percent before Covid-19.

Additionally, according to the Updated Report of Local Tourism Industry in Hong Kong, three characteristics of destination: the attractiveness of attractions, the price of destination tourism products, and whether or not to require visa are the three main factors for Hong Kong residents to choose outbound travel destinations. In the post-epidemic era, Hong Kong tourists outbound travel purposes are more diverse, including solo travel, in-depth travel, and cultural experience.

Nepal’s Diverse Tourism Offerings at the Expo

The Nepal Pavilion served as the centerpiece of the country’s promotional push, introducing Hong Kong’s travel trade and consumer audience to Nepal’s tourism offerings across:

Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Nepal presented its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and tourism areas including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, Patan, Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace), and Chitwan National Park as key attractions along with information regarding the sacred peaks like Mt. Macchapuchare. Visitors also enjoyed the vibrancy of Nepalese culture via the cultural program presented by the local Nepalese residents from Hong Kong.

Adventure Tourism

Nepal is renowned as a world-class adventure destination. At the Expo, offerings highlighted mountaineering and trekking routes, including the Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang hikes. Adventure sports such as the possibilities of skydiving at Everest and in Pokhara, white water rafting in the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi rivers, rock climbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking were emphasized, demonstrating Nepal’s potential for thrill-seeking travelers.

Nature and Eco-Tourism

The Expo was a good resource to showcase Nepal’s biodiversity and conservation initiatives. This includes safari experiences in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, where visitors can see rhinos, tigers, elephants, and diverse bird species. Eco-tourism projects in community-managed forests and rural homestays highlight sustainable travel and opportunities for visitors to immerse in local village life, organic farming, and nature conservation efforts.

Wellness and Spiritual Tourism

Nepal’s yoga, meditation retreats, and Himalayan healing practices are beginning to appeal to wellness travelers. The leading tourism companies showcased opportunities for spiritual rejuvenation and holistic health amid serene mountain landscapes. Packages included meditation retreats, yoga and ayurveda packages with tour packages in Lumbini, Chitwan, Pokhara and the Annapurna trails.

The Nepal Pavilion Experience

Nepal Tourism Board Senior Officer Khem Raj Timalsena delivered a destination presentation at the expo venue, spotlighting Nepal’s iconic destinations, rich cultural heritage, and tourism resources. The promotional effort was complemented by a live cultural showcase performed by Hong Kong-based Nepali artists, whose traditional dances and musical performances offered visitors an on-the-spot audience engagement of Nepal’s living heritage.

Presentation Overview

Key focal points of the presentation included:

• Adventure Tourism: Sky Diving, MTB Biking, Trekking, mountaineering, and white water rafting experiences across Nepal’s Himalayas.
• Cultural Heritage: Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, and living cultural traditions of its diverse ethnic communities.
• Nature-Based Experiences: Visits to the Terai lowlands, national parks, and rich biodiversity.
• Pilgrimage Tourism: Sacred sites such as Lumbini, Muktinath, Manokamana and Pashupatinath.
• Luxury and Wellness Tourism: High-end lodges, boutique accommodations, and wellness packages that appeal to health-conscious travelers. Here the visitors learnt about the luxury packages offered with Nepal’s luxury eco packages.

Business Networking & Market Opportunities

Participating Nepali tourism companies were allowed to preset times to meet directly( B2B) with travel professionals, prospective partners, and international buyers during the event. Nepal Tourism Board had previously briefed and oriented all Nepalese delegates on onboarding the ITE support systems and scheduling meetings. The Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong also provided instrumental support to the delegation. Most Nepalese tourism news portals covered the event.

NTB was represented by Senior Officers Khem Raj Timalsena and Narayan Prasad Basyal. The eight participating companies were Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, Nepal Big Mountain Travel Company, Pearl Holidays, The Trek Nepal, Dragon Holidays, High Peak Adventure, Scenic Adventure Treks & Expedition, and Himalaya Summit Club.

Why Nepal’s Participation Matters

• Promoting Nepal’s Tourism Offerings

Nepal’s presence at ITE Hong Kong provided an opportunity to highlight Nepal Tourism and nepal’s tourist areas, ranging from adventure activities like skydiving, trekking, mountaineering, and white-water rafting to cultural heritage sites, wellness retreats, and luxury travel experiences. By presenting these experiences to travel professionals, potential business partners, and consumers, the country can attract a broader range of visitors from key Asian and international markets and position Nepal as a travel destination.

• Strengthening Business Networks

The participation of eight leading Nepali travel companies facilitated direct engagement with international tour operators, travel agents, and industry partners. This interaction helps build collaborative ventures, develop new business opportunities, and potentially increase tourist arrivals, particularly from Hong Kong, which is a strategically important hub for global travelers.

• Showcasing Cultural Heritage

A live cultural showcase performed by Nepali artists offered visitors an authentic glimpse into Nepal’s living traditions, music, and dance. Such cultural presentations not only enrich visitor experiences but also strengthen Nepal’s brand as a unique tourism destination.

• Enhancing Nepal’s Global Visibility

Through professional coordination by the Nepal Tourism Board and support from the Consulate General in Hong Kong, Nepal reinforced its commitment to position itself as a premier travel destination. Participation in ITE Hong Kong helps maintain international presence, build brand loyalty among travelers, and create long-term economic benefits through sustainable tourism growth. With a growing demand worldwide for experiential travel, wellness tourism and adventure the 8 companies were able to present these offerings eg. Everest Base Camp Trek

Nepal’s Long-Term Tourism Vision

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has set a bold vision for the tourism sector in Nepal, aiming to position the country as a must-visit destination globally by 2025. The NTB’s strategy focuses on several key areas:

• Promoting Nepal’s Unique Offerings: Leveraging Nepal’s diverse cultural and natural attractions to enhance visibility and attract global tourists.
• Destination Enhancement: Providing transformative experiences by improving product and service quality.
• Fair Pricing and Sustainable Tourism: Ensuring tourists receive exceptional value while maintaining Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage.
• Infrastructure and Policy Advocacy: Advocating for modern airports, better roads, reliable transportation, and sustainable facilities.
• Sustainable Tourism Project (STP): A joint project with UNDP Nepal to revitalize the tourism sector post-COVID-19, focusing on improving infrastructure, enhancing affordability, and promoting digital marketing.

The NTB’s vision aligns with the broader goal of sustainable tourism, aiming to balance growth with environmental preservation. The board’s efforts are expected to enhance Nepal’s global visibility through impactful branding, media presence, and digital engagement.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have jointly launched a new project “Sustainable Tourism Project (STP)” to generate employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities through improving tourism facilities and services, skilling the tourism workforce, and promoting tourist destinations.

What Travelers Should Know Now

Nepal’s participation at ITE Hong Kong 2026 concluded successfully, contributing to the strengthening of tourism promotion efforts in the Hong Kong market and enhancing business networking opportunities for the participating Nepalese tourism stakeholders. Behind the successful participation of the show, the support extended by the Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong remained instrumental. 

Nepal Tourism Board remains committed to expanding Nepal as a travel destination for global visitors.

Nepal Tourism Board was represented in the show by Mr. Khem Raj Timalsena, Sr. Officer and Mr. Narayan Prasad Basyal, Sr. Officer. The participating companies in the Expo from Nepal were Nepal Big Mountain Travel Company Pvt. Ltd., Pearl Holidays Pvt. Ltd., The Trek Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure Pvt. Ltd., Dragon Holidays Pvt. Ltd. High Peak Adventure Pvt. Ltd., Scenic Adventure Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. and Himalaya Summit Club Pvt. Ltd.

From the event travellers were able to learn about Nepal as a destination and the reasons to visit Nepal. They also had the ability to learn about the Nepal tour packages and directly book through the representing companies.

Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure was open for bookings for verified packages showcased at ITE Hong Kong 2026. They offered diverse package options, customized itineraries, competitive pricing, and travellers could book with confidence.

FAQs

1. What is ITE Hong Kong 2026 and why is it important for Nepal tourism?

First launched some 40 years ago, the annual ITE in 2026 is its 6th live edition since Covid-19. Asia’s leading international travel fair, ITE has been maintaining separate programs, promotions and days for trade and public visitors including in pandemic years. China being one of the largest market for inbound tourists in Nepal, the ITE, Hong Kong has become an event of high importance for Nepal Tourism.

2. Which Nepali tourism companies participated at ITE Hong Kong 2026?

The Nepalese delegation was led by Nepal Tourism Board and comprised of 8 companies representing Nepal:

○      Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure who highlighted their pioneering event- the Everest and Pokhara skydives

○      Nepal Big Mountain Travel Co. Pvt. Ltd.

○      The Trek Nepal Pvt. Ltd.

○      Dragon Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

○      High Peak Adventure

○      Scenic Adventure Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.

○      Himalaya Summit Club Pvt. Ltd.

3. What types of Nepal travel packages were showcased at the expo?

Apart from adventure sports like skydiving in Everest, adventure trekking (Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna Circuit ), cultural heritage, wellness, pilgrimage, and luxury nature-based experiences were highlighted by the representing companies.

4. How can travelers book tour packages from ITE Hong Kong 2026?

Travellers had the oppurtunities to book the travel of their liking directly with the representative of the participating companies. A thrilling skydive session in Pokhara could be booked directly from Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure

5. What makes Nepal a premier tourism destination for adventure and culture?

Some of the highlights are the Himalayan terrain, trekking diversity, cultural heritage, spiritual significance, eco-friendly tourism. It is also economical and Nepal also has direct connecting flights from Hong Kong.

6. Is Nepal a safe destination for international travelers?

Nepal is considered relatively safe, Especially for tourists who Nepalese consider as their guests. Tourist Police are available in metros like Kathmandu and Pokhara and the Nepalese hospitality extends a welcoming atmosphere for travelers

7. What is the best time to visit Nepal for trekking and adventure tourism?

Depending on what you would like to do, Autumn and Spring are the most favored times, especially for mountaineers and trekkers. During Autumn (from mid-September to end of November ), and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May), the skies are clear and weather is dry and stable. Winter (December, January and February) is not favorable for high altitude adventures due to snowy condition, but low altitude trekking (below 4000m) like A Week below Everest, Everest Monasteries Trek, Poonhill Trek etc are possible. Nights are chillier but days are comfortable and the best thing is, views are stunning – quite ideal for photography. The trails are crowd-free and the deals are better. Winter is also an ideal time for touring in Chitwan, Bardia and Lumbini. Summer (June-July) and Monsoon (August- September)are not the best time due to humidity and heavy rains. But if you are a great fan of freshness and lush foothills, and don’t mind wet conditions and leeches (in some trails), these are great times. Trekking to Trans-Himalayan regions like Mustang and Dolpo is also possible as they are not affected by rain. But, be prepared for transfer delays and road obstructions. City tour is possible all year round..

8. How does wellness tourism fit into Nepal’s broader tourism offerings?

In Nepal you can find balance and inner peace in the mountains, forests, lakes from local delicacies to handicrafts to spiritual practices. Be in the healing power of nature to learn and cultivate mindful awareness through mindful movements, breathworks, inner child and shadow self work, energy and sound healing, mindfulness meditation with openness, loving awareness, and kindness. A perfect opportunity to come home to yourself, recharge, rejuvenate, and deepen your spiritual and holistic practice. An example of this is the Heritage Culture Nature & Wellness Tour promoted by Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure

9. What is the Nepal Tourism Board’s role in promoting international tourism?

NTB Plays a crucial role in promoting Nepal viz a viz:

○      Developing and Marketing Nepal

○      Enhancing destination Attractions

○      Promoting Unique Offerings

○      Participation in Expos

10. How can travel professionals and B2B buyers connect with Nepali tourism companies?

Expos like ITE Hong Kong provide direct B2B contacts or preparing meeting planners in the Expo software