KATHMANDU: In a strategic push to boost international collaboration ahead of the Nepal-India-China Expo (NICE 2025), the PATA Nepal Chapter concluded a highly productive visit to New Delhi, India, from January 15–17, 2025. The delegation was led by Suresh Singh Budal, CEO of PATA Nepal Chapter, and Upaul Majumdar, Goodwill Ambassador for NICE 2025 in India.

The visit focused on deepening ties with the PATA India Chapter, a strategic partner for the expo, and building broader alliances across India’s tourism and hospitality sector. NICE 2025, scheduled to take place in Pokhara, Nepal from February 24–26, 2025, is envisioned as a landmark platform to foster regional tourism cooperation and cross-border business exchanges.

During their three-day visit, Budal and Majumdar held extensive discussions with leading figures in India’s travel and tourism industry, including:

• Greesh Bindra, veteran tourism and hospitality professional
• Neeraj Malhotra, Chair, Northern Region, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI)
• Runnep Shang and Poonam Rajpoot, Executive Director and Manager, PATA India
• Rajesh Arya and Pranav Bansal, President and General Secretary, Global Association of Events and Hospitality Professionals (GAEPH)
• Chander Mansharamani and Anuj Wadhawa, Vice Chair and Executive Director, India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB)
• Sharvan Bhalla, Vice President, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), and his team
• Divita Yadav, Senior Strategic Account Manager, Agoda
• Priti Khanna, Executive Director, Events and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA)

The series of high-level meetings focused on identifying collaborative opportunities, sharing industry insights, and gathering support for a successful NICE 2025. Participants emphasized the significance of the upcoming expo in promoting tourism, enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation, and creating a dynamic marketplace for registered buyers and sellers in the region.

All dignitaries welcomed the initiative and expressed their commitment to supporting Nepal’s tourism efforts, underscoring the shared goal of fostering regional tourism growth and sustainable partnerships. The PATA Nepal Chapter noted that such collaborative engagements are key to ensuring the success of NICE 2025 and amplifying Nepal’s profile as a leading destination in South and East Asia.