IATO and NATTA Unite to Enhance Cross-Border Tourism Between India and Nepal, ET TravelWorld

In a move to strengthen tourism ties between India and Nepal, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and the Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) have formalised a new partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in Kathmandu.

The agreement was signed by Ravi Gosain, President of IATO, and Kumar Mani Thapaliya, President of NATTA, during the ongoing Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM 2025). The ceremony was attended by Badri Prasad Pandey, Nepal’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation, and Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive cooperation framework aimed at enhancing sustainable tourism, increasing two-way tourist flows, and enabling joint promotional activities across both countries. Key provisions include the promotion of strategic partnerships among stakeholders, coordination on visa and tourism regulations, and the exchange of market intelligence, research, and promotional materials.

Further initiatives under the agreement include facilitating B2B meetings, representation at trade fairs and conventions, and launching cross-border tourism products such as pilgrimage circuits, adventure tours, and heritage trails. Both associations have committed to organising familiarisation tours for travel agents, influencers, and media, while also promoting knowledge sharing in digital tools and marketing.

“Nepal is our strategic partner, and many foreign tourists, especially from Buddhist countries, include Nepal in their Indian itineraries,” said Ravi Gosain, President of IATO. “With joint efforts, our members can work together to enhance inbound tourism in both countries.”

This collaboration marks a key step towards deeper regional tourism integration, leveraging shared cultural and religious ties to attract a wider international audience.

• Published On May 24, 2025 at 04:00 PM IST

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