KATHMANDU: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) are set to jointly participate in FITUR 2026, one of the world’s leading international tourism trade fairs, to be held in Madrid, Spain, from January 21 to 25.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NTB said the joint participation reflects a public-private partnership model aimed at strengthening Nepal’s presence in the global tourism market. NATTA, the country’s largest and oldest umbrella organisation of travel and tour operators representing over 1,500 companies nationwide, is co-leading the initiative.

According to NTB, Nepal’s participation at FITUR 2026 will focus on two key objectives: prioritising tailor-made experiential tourism over conventional package itineraries, and promoting a diverse mix of nature, culture and adventure-based experiences suited to varied traveller interests.

The tourism board said Nepal will showcase travel experiences ranging from tea gardens in the eastern hills and wildlife-rich jungles of the southern plains to the arid trans-Himalayan landscapes, vibrant cultural festivals in Kathmandu, and the country’s iconic snow-capped mountain ranges, including the world’s highest peak. Spiritual tourism, including visits to Lumbini—the birthplace of Lord Buddha—and other Buddhist sites, along with UNESCO World Heritage monuments, will also be highlighted.

Emphasising Nepal’s diversity, NTB noted that the country offers rich biodiversity, ethnic and linguistic diversity, allowing travellers to experience distinct landscapes and cultures within short travel distances.

The board said Nepal has long been a preferred destination for Spanish and European travellers, particularly for trekking and mountaineering, and tourist arrivals from Europe have regained pre-pandemic momentum following COVID-19. NTB added that the country is prepared to welcome visitors with renewed attention to health, wellness, sustainability and inclusive tourism practices, alongside growing interest in gastronomy.

NTB also highlighted Nepal’s air connectivity with major international hubs, including Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Sharjah, New Delhi and Bangkok, as well as frequent flights by Nepal Airlines to the Middle East.

A total of 30 Nepali travel and tourism companies, each with decades of experience and officially registered with the government, are participating at FITUR 2026 under the Nepal pavilion. NTB and NATTA have invited international tour operators, destination management companies, hotels and media representatives to engage with Nepali delegates during the event. 

Separately, NATTA also confirmed that its joint participation with NTB at FITUR 2026 aims to strengthen Nepal’s international tourism promotion through coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors.

NATTA had held a farewell ceremony  on Monday at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to bid good wishes to the Nepali delegation heading to FITUR 2026.