KATHMANDU: Nepal’s pavilion at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Chennai 2026 has won the Best Decoration Award, highlighting the country’s vibrant presentation of its cultural heritage and tourism offerings.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), representing Nepal as a Partner Country, led a delegation of 13 exhibitors, including 12 co-exhibitors from the travel and hospitality sector, at the three-day event held from March 20 to 22 at the Chennai Trade Centre in Tamil Nadu, India.

According to NTB, the Nepal pavilion served as a key platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagements, product showcases and networking with Indian travel trade professionals, tour operators and agents from across South India.

The fair featured over 250 exhibitors from more than 12 Indian states and five countries, reflecting the growing importance of the South Indian market in regional tourism. Senior tourism officials from India, including representatives from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, inaugurated the event and later visited the Nepal pavilion, where they were briefed on Nepal’s tourism products and strategies.

NTB stated that participation in TTF Chennai is part of its broader effort to deepen engagement with India, Nepal’s largest source market for inbound tourists. The South Indian states—particularly Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala—are emerging as a fast-growing segment, driven by rising incomes, improved air connectivity and strong cultural and religious ties.

The board said Nepal aims to position itself as a preferred short-haul destination for South Indian travellers through targeted promotions and closer collaboration with the Indian travel trade.

The award for best pavilion decoration recognises Nepal’s effective branding and presentation at one of the region’s major travel trade events.