KATHMANDU: More than 150 tour and travel agents from Sri Lanka have arrived in Kathmandu to help spread a message to the world: Nepal is safe for tourism in the aftermath of the devastating Bhote Koshi floods.

Senior representatives of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) and the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka (IAASL) have chosen Nepal as the venue for their annual general meetings.

The Sri Lankan delegation’s visit coincides with that of a 185-member corporate delegation from Bangladesh, representing Walton Plaza, which has also arrived in Kathmandu, reaffirming Nepal’s strong appeal as a destination for business and leisure travel, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.

Their visit reflects growing confidence among international travelers in Nepal and highlights the country’s welcoming hospitality, diverse experiences, and safe, accessible destinations. Such visits are also strengthening tourism and corporate ties with Nepal, the NTB said.

“Over 150 senior executives of the Sri Lankan travel and tour industries, representing TAASL and IAASL, are here in Kathmandu not only to hold the annual general meeting but mainly to join Nepal in this hour of grief,” said Sonali Ranasinghe, the first female president of TAASL.

As a neighboring country, Sri Lanka has always stood with Nepal, having faced many natural calamities itself in the past, Ranasinghe said, adding that their visit to Nepal was mainly aimed at spreading the message that Nepal is safe and needs more visitors now than ever.

Rohan Jayamanna, President of IAASL, said the delegation felt that Nepal remains a safe destination and one of the world’s best travel destinations. “TAASL and IAASL are always ready to join hands with Nepal-based tourism associations to promote both countries,” Jayamanna said, adding, “Sri Lanka considers Nepal a premier travel destination for its citizens.”

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Ruwanthi Delpitiya appreciated TAASL and IAASL’s efforts to bring leading Sri Lankan travel trade partners to Nepal. The ambassador also underscored the mutual recognition of untapped potential between the two South Asian nations. “Such visits certainly help foster stronger business linkages and investment prospects between the two countries,” she said, adding that Nepal could position Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination for its citizens. This would allow Nepalis to enjoy Sri Lanka’s spiritual sites, golden beaches, scenic hill country, wildlife safaris, and world-renowned wellness experiences.

Sunil Sharma, Deputy Director at the Nepal Tourism Board, emphasized that both nations could significantly expand their tourism promotion activities through such visits. “Nepal has always regarded Sri Lanka as one of its major tourist source markets, as the two countries share many bonds,” Sharma said.

Presenting Nepal’s tourism prospects, Sharma also highlighted the deep cultural and religious roots shared by the two nations. With both countries home to profound Buddhist and Hindu heritage, the delegation highlighted a unique opportunity to create a “spiritual circuit” for travelers. He also showcased Nepal’s diverse tourism experiences and MICE opportunities to the Sri Lankan travel fraternity.

Joy Dewan, President of the Nepal-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, thanked the travel delegations, saying their move meant something special to Nepal. “Nepal always views Sri Lanka not just as a neighbor, but as a strategic partner for mutual growth,” he added.

Sunil Shakya, an executive board member of NSLFA, described the visit by Sri Lankan trade leaders during this time of crisis as highly meaningful. “Nepal is fully safe for travel, which is why the delegation is here,” he said.

Bharat Jung Pandey, President of the Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA), said bilateral tourism cooperation could market the two countries as a combined destination for pilgrimage, cultural exploration, and adventure. “NATTA is always ready to collaborate with TAASL and IAASL for tourism promotion,” he said.

The Sri Lankan delegation’s visit could also be described as a tourism confidence-building campaign for Nepal, said Ramesh Parajuli, Secretary of NATTA, whose company, Rupse Holidays, hosted the delegation locally. The presence of leading travel industry professionals from Sri Lanka reflects growing confidence in Nepal as a destination for international gatherings and business events, Parajuli noted.