Festive boost: Nepal courts Indian tourists with safety assurances
Times of India | 20 September 2025The plea received a shot in the arm with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India approving Buddha Air's application to start flights between Kathmandu and Kolkata after Sept 25. The private carrier from Nepal is likely to start operations from Oct 2.
Representatives of Indian Association of Tour Operators, Travel Agent's Association of India and Travel Agent's Federation of India in Kolkata have extended their support and said they will try their best to help the neighbouring country that is largely dependent on tourism.
With the Durga Puja festivities just around the corner, NTB is actively reaching out to operators and agencies in Kolkata to tap potential visitors, highlighting the country's readiness to offer a safe and memorable experience following recent challenges.
In a bid to reassure travellers, the Nepal Tourism Board initiated live broadcasts from popular tourist spots, showcasing the vibrant return of international visitors.
"These live streams are being shared across various international channels and platforms, including those of Nepali Diplomatic Missions and the Nepali Diaspora to revive the confidence of tourists," explained Dipak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board.
Nepal's hoteliers, travel agents and trekking operators have also urged tourists in Kolkata to return, assuring them that the situation has returned to normal following last week's Gen-Z uprising.
Pointing out that tourists did not face threat during the Gen-Z uprising that rocked the country on Sept 9-10 and led to curfew being declared till Sept 14, Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) CEO Tekendra Mahat said while many Indian tourists, particularly those in Kathmandu, had scrambled to the airport, those in other locations had chosen to stay put in hotels for the storm to pass and then continued their trips.
"HAN had worked closely with authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of tourists.
There were concerns about flights that are now over as all services have resumed after a brief disruption. We will continue to take care of guests and assure them that it is absolutely safe to visit Nepal," said Mahat.
Hoteliers have reported an increase in bookings, particularly for the Oct-Nov trekking season that is patronised mostly by tourists from Europe and America. But with Indian tourists accounting for Rs 7,000 crore or a third of the country's annual tourism economy and the festive season starting with Durga Puja raking in 20% of that, agencies in Nepal are keen to get tourists from Bengal back.
